Dorset Council leader Nick Ireland said he is "disappointed" with the government's response to his letter addressing the controversial plans to build a waste incinerator on Portland.
Cllr Ireland claims the government "washed its hands" of the decision to grant planning permission for Powerfuel's waste to energy plant at Portland Port.
This comes despite fierce opposition and the plan being initially refused by Dorset Council.
A huge protest recently took place in Weymouth at the weekend where hundreds marched, holding placards and chanting, demanding a stop to the incinerator plans.
READ MORE: Hundreds march against Portland incinerator in Weymouth
Cllr Nick Ireland vented his frustration at the plans in a letter to Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner.
He stated that the the strength of local feeling in opposition to this is "striking", adding: "there is a strong feeling that government has pushed this through without thinking through the consequences to the residents of Dorset who live in the vicinity and beyond of this proposed facility."
He also referenced the government announcement on its investment into carbon capture across Merseyside and Teesside. He said that the investment is built on the Climate Change Committee’s advice that carbon capture technologies are significant growth areas as part of a wider low carbon transition, and was hoping Dorset could benefit in the same way.
READ MORE: Dorset Council writes letter to Deputy PM over incinerator
Today, November 18, he has received a response letter from Rushanara Ali MP.
It read: "On 16 September 2024, I made my decision on this case, deciding to allow the appeal and grant permission. In reaching my decision I took into account the wide range of relevant issues raised in this matter, based on the detailed findings of the planning inspector who held an inquiry into this case.
"Whilst I appreciate your invitation to talk in more detail on this issue, I hope you will appreciate that it would not be appropriate for Ministers or officials to comment further on the reasons for the decision or the merits of the scheme.
"Once the decision has been issued, neither the Inspector nor the Secretary of State has any further role in the matter. The decision is final unless it is quashed by the High Court."
Cllr Ireland said: “Needless to say, I am disappointed with the response. The government appears to have now washed its hands of this serious concern, stating that neither the Inspector nor the Secretary of State has any further role in the matter.
"My suggestion to look at carbon capture methods to mitigate the incinerator’s emissions was also ignored.
“As shown from the scale of this weekend’s demonstration, the people of Portland clearly do not welcome this incinerator.
"Dorset Council stands by its original Planning decision to refuse this application, and we will continue to look at ways we can try to stop this unwanted development from proceeding.”
As reported, Dorset Council has ruled out challenging the decision in court as it can't justify spending a huge sum on a case it feels it can't win.
he 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.
South Dorset's MP has also said he is "frustrated and disappointed" at the plans and will oppose it "at every turn."
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