Councillors expressed their ‘outrage’ at the ‘imposition’ of the incinerator which has got the green light and is set to be built at Portland Port.
They agreed to write to King Charles – who has championed environmental issues – to express their anger over the plans after a proposal from Cllr Kia Pope.
This is due to the island’s 1,000 year history as a Royal Manor, with its Court Leet guarding the rights and privileges of the islanders.
READ: Campaigners lose legal battle over Portland waste incinerator
Stop Portland Waste Incinerator campaigners outside the Royal Courts of Justice (Image: Laura Baldwin)
Speaking at a town council meeting, Cllr Pope said: “We need a serious discussion about what comes next.
“If the appeal fails, I will continue to oppose it.
“Once it’s operational and burning lots of rubbish on our doorstep, we will keep fighting to shut it down.
READ: Waste incinerator among issues discussed as students meet politician
Portland Town councillor Kia Pope (Image: Portland Town Council) “I cannot find a single person on this island who supports the incinerator. Not one. This motion reflects solidarity with the feeling of our constituents.
“I am outraged, we are all outraged, and we must use every tool we have to continue this fight.
“So I propose we take advantage of our special status as a Royal Manor and our ancient relationship with the Crown, and ask that His Royal Highness intervene to stop this anti democratic madness that is the trash incinerator.”
READ: Olympic sailing team to research health impact of waste incinerator
Artist impression of the proposed waste incinerator at Portland Port (Image: Powerfuel Portland)
Despite the island’s status as a Royal Manor, it is unlikely the King would overturn a government decision or get involved in any legal proceedings that are still active.
When asked to clarify what the council sought from asking the King, Cllr Pope said he hoped Charles would give a response and ‘some kind of intervention’.
READ: ‘Devastated is an understatement’ – Community reacts to waste incinerator decision
Plans to build the £100m incinerator have been met with fierce opposition from the local community.
Campaigners mounted a legal challenge over the government’s decision to overturn Dorset Council’s rejection of the plans but the case was dismissed at the High Court earlier this year.
An application to lodge an appeal to this decision is currently underway.
Powerfuel Portland, the company behind the plans, has previously said it remains committed to taking the project forward after also being issued an environmental permit earlier this year.
The project is set to bring around 300 direct jobs and 250 indirect jobs during construction and around 35 full time permanent direct and 60 indirect jobs during operations, along with apprenticeship opportunities for local school leavers.