Portland Incinerator – update 11/25

An important update on our ongoing fight against the proposed waste incinerator on Portland.

I am deeply disappointed by the recent news about the proposed waste incinerator on Portland. 

Despite the best efforts of so many tireless campaigners, the court’s decided to press ahead with the proposed waste incinerator and dismiss the appeal. This is devastating news for our community, and I share your frustration and anger at this outcome. 

While the initial High Court challenge earlier this year was deeply disappointing, our campaign remains resolute. The appeal will once again challenge whether the relevant inspector adequately considered how this incinerator complies with local regulations.

The court’s decision to allow this proposed incinerator to proceed is a blow to everyone who has campaigned relentlessly against these proposals. However, while this legal route has reached its conclusion, I want to be clear; I have not given up challenging these proposals. 

I continue to believe there is no business case, no environmental case, and no community case for building a waste incinerator on the island. The concerns remain overwhelming – with potential damage to our precious Jurassic Coast and local wildlife, increased air and noise pollution, unwanted additional traffic, and the proximity to a nearby prison and homes. 

I will continue to stand with local campaigners to challenge these proposals wherever I can. I remain deeply concerned that the company behind the proposed incinerator is looking to change the type of waste that is used, and I will hold the firm to account on this issue. 

If construction does ever begin, I will press for the proposed incinerator to follow all environmental regulations that are in place. I remain doubtful that an incinerator can operate here without a significant impact on the local environment, and I simply do not see any sensible way forward for building a waste incinerator on Portland. 

Of course, I will also continue to press for alternatives that will bring genuine green investment and clean energy jobs to South Dorset, and not an unwanted incinerator. I firmly believe that we should be investing in clear energy projects – and not a harmful incinerator.  

Thank you for your continued support on this vital issue. Please know that I will keep fighting for our community.