Dorset Council issued a statement today (18th October) regarding the council’s position on the Government’s decision to grant a licence for the operation of a waste incinerator on Portland.
The statement, on behalf of the council leader Nick Ireland, reads as follows:
Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said:
“It is extremely disappointing that the Secretary of State did not agree with the views of our Planning committee, Planning officers, and thousands of Dorset residents, when Government overturned our decision to reject the Portland incinerator.
“Having reviewed the Planning Inspectorate’s report, we considered whether to mount a legal challenge. But this was only likely to be successful if we could show that Government’s decision had not been reached in a lawful way.
“Regrettably, following expert advice from independent legal counsel, we will not be taking legal action. We simply cannot justify spending an exorbitant amount of taxpayers’ money on a challenge we have been told would likely fail in court.
“Dorset Council remains opposed to the incinerator, and we will fight the Secretary of State’s decision with every remaining tool at our disposal. We will also continue to stand firm alongside the Portland and Dorset residents who oppose the burning of waste on the Jurassic coastline for environmental, economic, and health reasons.”
Related item –
- Audio: Dorset Council leader explains why he opposes the Portland Incinerator plan
- According to analysis by the BBC Burning household rubbish is now UK’s dirtiest form of power
