Date set for 'fight against unjust decision' over waste incinerator
An application was made to the High Court in December for a statutory review of the government's decision to grant planning permission, overruling Dorset Council's refusal of Powerfuel Portland's planning application at Portland Port.
As reported, the controversial scheme was given the green light in September, despite fierce opposition from local residents and campaigners, including Olympic sailors who train at the Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy.
Campaigners, who have been fundraising to support their legal challenge, have now received notification of the hearing dates for the claim against the government's decision.
The statutory review will be heard at the Royal Courts of Justice on March 12 and can continue, if necessary, on March 13.
The grounds of claim against the government include the decision not satisfying Dorset Council's spatial strategy and the 'proximity principle' from its Waste Plan and that it contains a number of factual errors relating to proposals for a waste management facility in Canford, which it relied on for comparison with Powerfuel's proposals.
An artists impression of the waste incinerator at Portland Port (Image: Supplied)
READ: Hundreds march against Portland incinerator in Weymouth
Debbie Tulett who will be representing the Stop Portland Waste Incinerator campaign at the High Court said: 'We have news of our hearing dates for the statutory review against the government decision to overturn Dorset Council's unanimous planning refusal for a waste incinerator at Portland Port.
"We will be in the Royal Courts of Justice on the 12th and if necessary also on the 13th March 2025 to fight the unjust government decision.'
READ: Hopes Portland waste incinerator is scrapped amid rule changes
The announcement comes just weeks after the government announced it would be introducing strict rules around building new waste incinerators.
These rules have given campaigners new hope that Powerfuel would not be able to meet the requirements to get an environmental permit from the Environment Agency.
However, the government department has confirmed the new rules do not impact the issuing of permits.
Powerfuel has also stated that the new rules are for future planning permissions and 'does not apply' to the Portland project.
It has also said it would meet the requirement that new facilities need to support the government's net zero objectives.
Last week Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer assured residents that 'strict criteria' will be adhered to amid plans for the Portland waste incinerator.
READ: Ellie Aldridge hits out at Portland waste incinerator plans
Campaigner Giovanna Lewis said: 'Tens of thousands of local residents are determined to put a stop to this polluting, resource destroying project in order to protect our environment, the tourism industry, our quality of life and our health. If the outcome doesn't go our way at court, the campaign won't stop."
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