The applicant behind the controversial Portland incinerator has spoken out following huge community backlash.
Powerfuel Portland says the campaign against the company's plans to build an incinerator at Portland Port will be "robustly defended."
It comes after a huge demonstration took place in Weymouth town centre where hundreds marched, holding placards and chanting, demanding a stop to the incinerator plans.
READ MORE: Hundreds march against Portland incinerator in Weymouth
Planning permission for the waste to energy plant at Portland Port was controversially given the go-ahead by the government in September despite fierce opposition.
The Stop Portland Waste Incinerator (SPWI) campaign group acting through Debbie Tulett, who is represented by law firm Leigh Day, has filed a legal claim challenging the decision to grant planning permission.
READ MORE: Campaigners in legal challenge to Portland incinerator
The group has so far managed to raise £70,000 to support the legal challenge.
While there is uncertainty surrounding the timescales of the legal challenge the group says it will receive a permission decision on the papers within a couple of months. A final hearing is expected to be within six to nine months if permission is granted.
"The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government subsequently undertook a thorough review of the Inspector's report, and agreed with its findings and conclusion, and granted planning permission.
“Over a three year period the Environment Agency reviewed all environmental permitting impacts of the Project, including air quality, and has issued that it is “minded to grant” an environmental permit for the Project. Powerfuel expects the permit to be issued before the end of the year.
"After reviewing the Secretary of State's decision, Dorset Council considered whether to mount a legal challenge but has confirmed it will not be taking legal action on a challenge as they have received advice that this would likely fail in court.
"Despite this, Stop Portland Waste Incinerator group has decided to launch a legal challenge against the Secretary of State's decision. This will be robustly defended."
Portland Port also released a statement in response to the demonstration.
A spokesperson said: “The Secretary of State approved the project after a thorough process that involved all relevant regulatory bodies.
“The port provides much needed, good quality jobs, brings in over 100,000 cruise passengers each year delivering over £10 million in additional local income and pays national and local taxes. It is the largest private employer on the island.
“The port continues to drive growth and development and is currently pursuing projects that could bring over 1,000 high quality, well paid jobs to the area.”
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