Bid to vary incinerator permit set to be approved

An application to burn more types of waste at a planned incinerator on the Dorset coast is expected to be approved.

Powerfuel Portland wants to change its existing permit to handle one category of waste to a permit for 68 types when the plant opens at Portland Port in 2030.

Dorset Council previously said it was not clear whether emissions from the plant would change.

However, the Environment Agency said it was "minded" to issue the new permit, after investigating issues over emissions, odour, noise and storage.

In a statement, it said: "The Environment Agency is now satisfied they have all the information needed and cannot find any reason to refuse this permit variation application."

Powerfuel Portland previously said its application was a "minor technical variation" and would "not result in an increased risk to the environment".

However, in a letter to the agency, Dorset Council said it would "significantly widen the types of wastes incinerated".

The previously approved permit was for refuse-derived fuel from household and commercial waste.

The new permit would include categories such as waste from sewage cleaning and from aerobic treatment which will be "more odorous", the authority said.

The incinerator is expected to process up to 202,000 tonnes of waste a year, creating energy for 30,000 homes.

Permission was initially rejected by Dorset Council but was approved by the government in 2024 following an appeal.

Powerfuel Portland said it would create jobs and allow the council to "manage its waste in-county".

Dorset Council has said it has no plans to use the facility.

About 685 comments were received on the permit variation plan, the Environment Agency said.

It has opened a public consultation on its draft decision until 31 July.

You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X, or Instagram.

Council pledges to monitor incinerator emissions

Incinerator set to go ahead after court decision

Incinerator permit granted as judicial review looms

Port waste incinerator refused by council