The Environment Agency said on 12 October 2026 that it had issued a permit variation allowing Powerfuel Portland Limited to change the waste types that could be incinerated at its proposed facility in Portland. The agency said it had carefully assessed the application and was satisfied there would be no significant environmental impact or harm to human health.

A consultation on the draft decision ran from 19 June 2026 to 31 July 2026 and received approximately 296 comments. The agency said it had examined concerns raised by the public, including emissions to air, odour, noise and the storage and handling of wastes, and was satisfied that effective control measures would be in place.

The Environment Agency noted that planning and permitting are separate processes and that it cannot consider planning issues such as the suitability of the location or traffic concerns. It said it can refuse an application only if it fails to meet legal requirements under environmental legislation, including causing significant harm to the environment or human health, and is legally obliged to issue a permit when all requirements are met. A spokesperson said the agency was satisfied the permit would ensure a high level of environmental protection.