Incinerator granted permit to burn more waste types

A planned incinerator on the Dorset coast will be allowed to burn more types of waste, despite hundreds of objections from campaigners and politicians.

The Environment Agency (EA) has issued a permit variation for Powerfuel Portland to burn 68 categories of waste, instead of just one, when its waste-to-energy facility opens in Portland Port in 2030.

South Dorset MP Lloyd Hatton said the decision was "devastating news" and called on Powerfuel Portland to drop the "damaging proposals".

Powerfuel Portland said independent reports showed the project would "provide a safe and environmentally responsible facility that will enable Dorset to manage its own residual waste volumes".

The EA said 296 consultation comments were received, raising concerns about air emissions, smells, noise and the means of storing and handling wastes, but it was "satisfied that effective control measures will be in place".

A statement said: "The Environment Agency can only refuse a permit application if it does not meet one or more of the legal requirements under environmental legislation, including if it will cause significant harm to the environment or to human health.

"If all the requirements are met, the Environment Agency is legally obliged to issue a permit."

Hatton described the permitting process as "not fit for purpose", adding: "My concerns remain serious - with potential damage to the Jurassic Coast and local wildlife, increased air and noise pollution, more congestion on our roads, and proximity to a prison and homes."

The Stop Portland Incinerator Campaign (SPIC) said it was "appalled, but not surprised" by the decision, calling it a "betrayal of the community".

SPIC spokesperson Etienne Stott said: "Common sense can see that burning 200,000 tonnes per year of waste, including hazardous materials from chemical and industrial processes, will never leave our community in better health and will do nothing whatsoever to improve the area's appeal to tourists."

Powerfuel Portland called it "another positive step", adding that it had already secured agreements for the supply of waste and was in detailed discussions with a number of construction firms, including Dorset-based contractors.

Director Giles Frampton said: "We are aware that a small number of the local community continue to seek to challenge the project but would encourage anyone with any concerns to read the technical reports produced by independent specialists.

"These reports confirm that the project will provide a safe and environmentally responsible facility that will enable Dorset to manage its own residual waste volumes, rather than exporting to other similar facilities or landfill outside the county."

The incinerator is expected to process up to 202,000 tonnes of waste a year, creating energy for 30,000 homes.

Planning permission was initially rejected by Dorset Council but approved by the government in 2024 following an appeal.

Campaigners challenged the planning decision in the High Court but their case was dismissed in November 2025.