Jurassic Coast's World Heritage Status at Risk from Approved Incinerator

The UK government's recent approval of a substantial waste incinerator on the Isle of Portland has ignited concerns about the potential threat to the Jurassic Coast's World Heritage status. The decision, made despite widespread local opposition, has drawn criticism from experts and environmental advocates.

The £150 million facility, featuring a 264ft-tall chimney stack, is set to operate continuously, processing commercial, household, and skip waste. While the Isle of Portland itself is not part of the World Heritage Site, its central location within the protected area has raised alarms about the incinerator's impact on the surrounding landscape.

Stephan Doempke, chairman of World Heritage Watch, an independent body monitoring threats to World Heritage Sites, expressed strong disapproval of the decision. He emphasized the need for UNESCO approval for such a significant project near a World Heritage Site, citing international obligations under the World Heritage Convention.

"World Heritage Watch finds the decision of UK Government to grant planning permission for a waste incinerator in the immediate vicinity of a World Heritage Site deeply deplorable."

The Jurassic Coast, spanning 95 miles of southern England's coastline, gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2001. It is globally unique, showcasing a continuous sequence of rock formations from the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods, representing 185 million years of Earth's history. This geological marvel attracts millions of visitors annually and serves as a crucial educational resource for Earth sciences.

Lloyd Hatton, the Labour MP for South Dorset, voiced his opposition to the development, reflecting the sentiment of many constituents. The Jurassic Coast Trust, responsible for managing the site, also expressed disappointment with the decision, acknowledging the potential impact on the World Heritage Site's overall setting.

Despite these concerns, the Under-Secretary of State for Building Safety and Homelessness asserted that the incinerator would not appear out of place or scale and would have "no injurious effect" on the Jurassic Coast World Heritage Site. However, this stance contradicts warnings from experts about potential violations of UNESCO guidelines.

As the Jurassic Coast continues to face challenges from climate change and coastal erosion, the addition of this industrial facility raises further questions about the long-term preservation of this invaluable geological and paleontological treasure. The decision underscores the ongoing tension between economic development and the conservation of natural heritage sites of global significance.