Dorset Council’s leader, Cllr Nick Ireland, has today restated the council’s clear and longstanding opposition to the proposed waste incinerator at Portland.
He said: “The council has consistently opposed the incinerator from the outset, including refusing the original planning application and continuing to raise serious concerns through environmental permitting processes. That position has not changed.
“Dorset does not want or need this incinerator. The council believes it is in the wrong place, next to a World Heritage coastline, and does not align with Dorset’s waste strategy or wider environmental ambitions.
“The council also wants to be absolutely clear that Dorset Council is not in any discussions with Powerfuel, and there are no plans for Dorset’s waste to be sent to the Portland incinerator. Claims or suggestions to the contrary are incorrect.”
Dorset Council has waste arrangements in place and continues to focus on reducing waste, increasing recycling and moving towards more sustainable solutions that protect communities and the environment.
The decision to allow the incinerator was taken by central government after overturning the council’s refusal.
Cllr Ireland added: “While that decision sits outside local control, we continue to speak up for residents and to challenge proposals we believe pose unacceptable risks to public health, the environment and Dorset’s reputation as a special place.”
