Dorset Council has stated it will not be taking legal action against the government's decision to allow a waste incinerator to be built on Portland.

Planning permission for the waste to energy plant at Portland Port was controversially given the go-ahead by the government despite fierce opposition.

The plan was initially refused by Dorset Council, prompting an appeal - and a public inquiry.

READ MORE: Planning permission granted for Portland incinerator

However, Dorset Council has released a statement to say legal action won't be taken against the government for overturning the initial decision. 

Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said: “It is disappointing that the Secretary of State disagreed with the views of our planning committee, planning officers, and thousands of residents, when the 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.” 

There has been a huge community backlash against the incinerator with many campaigners fearing that emissions from the plant and lorries travelling to the site would be damaging to health.

The Stop Portland Waste Incinerator (SPWI) campaign group announced that it will be taking legal action against the government's decision.

It will be filing a case to the High Court for a Statutory Review that will be submitted by the end of next week.

READ MORE: Campaigners' legal action against Portland waste incinerator

The plans were initially unveiled in November 2019 but have always been met by fierce opposition. 

Powerfuel's application attracted more than 3,360 objections from members of the public, as well as Portland Town Council and Weymouth Town Council.

Residents also voiced their concerns about the plans at a public inquiry in 2023.

Powerfuel Portland has previously stated that the incinerator will not treat hazardous or clinical waste, using the latest technology and techniques to 'safely’ and ‘efficiently’ produce low carbon energy from non-recyclable waste. 

Local groups Stop Portland Waste Incinerator and Jurassic Coast Against Incineration hired technical experts to evaluate Powerfuel’s proposals, and organised demonstrations in the past.