The company behind controversial incinerator plans for Portland says it is confident it will win its appeal.

Powerfuel will be appealing Dorset Council's decision to turn down a plan for the Energy Recovery Facility at Portland Port - the Portland incinerator - which was unanimously rejected by the council earlier this year.

On Friday, March 24 2023, Dorset Council’s Strategic and Technical Planning Committee refused to grant permission for the proposed facility, with Powerfuel stating shortly after that they would lodge an appeal in the future.

Read More: Portland Incinerator rejection to be appealed by Powerfuel

Powerfuel says that the benefits far outweigh the harm mentioned in the planning committee report.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We have taken time to review and reflect on the decision taken by Dorset and their reasons for refusal.

"Our view remains that the facility is much needed to ensure Dorset can sustainably manage its waste and that the project benefits clearly outweigh the limited harm identified in the Committee Report.

"We are confident of a positive outcome at appeal now the matter is in the hands of the independent Planning Inspectorate guaranteeing us a fair and balanced decision.”

The appeal is expected to be formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate on August 12.

It will go through the Planning Inspectorate, a central-government executive agency that deals with planning appeals, national infrastructure planning applications, examinations of local plans and other planning-related and specialist casework in England.

When lodged the appeal will be handled by the Planning Inspectorate, not Dorset Council, and it will be for the appointed inspector to make or recommend the decision on the appeal.

To assist the inspector, Dorset Council will be expected to set out its case – with evidence – for refusing the original planning application.

Within one week of the start date, Dorset Council will notify all interested parties – including anyone who submitted representations to the original application – that an appeal has been lodged with the Planning Inspectorate, including details of how to get involved.

Anyone who wishes to make representations at the appeal stage will need to do so directly to the Planning Inspectorate but only once the start date for the appeal has been confirmed.

There have been several protests against the incinerator over the years by concerned locals, with hundreds turning out to voice opposition.

Further details will be provided once the Planning Inspectorate confirms the arrangements.