The Portland Association CIC (TPA) has continued to inform and support the residents of Portland throughout the reporting period, advocating on their behalf to provide a voice when significant decisions may impact them. In this we have continued to work with other organisations to deliver the best effect for our community. Of particular relevance during the reporting period have been the following initiatives: Our continued support to those opposing the Energy Recovery Facility; the coordination of efforts to bring St Peter’s Church into community ownership through a “Friends of” group and liaison with relevant authorities; and the establishment of Future Portland Community Benefit Society Ltd. in collaboration with two existing island organisations, Island Community Action, and b-side CIC, to operate synergistically to deliver more positive outcomes for our community across a broad portfolio of community, cultural and environmental projects. St Peters Church has been a key focus during this period. The church, in private ownership, has been much neglected over the last 20 years and has deteriorated to the extent it is listed as “at risk” by Historic England. TPA coordinated community interest with the view of bringing it into community ownership and worked with Historic England, to get an Architectural Heritage Fund grant for survey work, and with Dorset Council Conservation Team to establish a plan. It is anticipated that the church will go on the market in due course. Our efforts are focussed on being ready to present a viable proposition to satisfy all stakeholders. TPA have been involved in supporting community opposition to the proposed Energy Recovery Facility on the island since the original planning application was made. During this reporting period the proposal went to judicial review which required TPA to step back from active involvement in the case. However, TPA continued to support those involved by facilitating funding and the coordination of information. Subsequently, TPA has provided support to ongoing community opposition by sourcing expertise and information to enable the profile to be maintained. In response to earlier consultation, which provided a clear signal to TPA, and others, that the continued disparate and small-scale progression of individual projects was inefficient. Discussions commenced on bringing together efforts into establishing an ‘umbrella organisation. At the time there were four priority projects on the island that required action and potentially a community-led solution: St Peter’s Church; The Pulpit Inn; Brandy Row; and France Quarry. Working collaboratively with Island Community Action and b-side CIC and through community engagement, culminating in a launch event in June 2025, the establishment of Future Portland CBS Ltd. was achieved. Despite actively pursuing two of the projects, with considerable efforts applied, two of the projects have lapsed through onward sale of the properties. However, France Quarry, an important area of Local Green Space which has been threatened with development over many years, seems likely to achieve a successful outcome (an MOU has been agreed with the vendor of the site which enables the purchase of the site for the community). A public campaign has commenced to fund purchase of the site which has so far resulted in considerable enthusiasm and financial support from the community and beyond. Additionally, TPA have been working collaboratively with Portland Nature CIC and EuCAN CIC to support conservation management activities on Tier 3 wildlife sites (SNCIs) on the island, through the promotion of events and coordination of volunteers. TPA also administers the Portland Nature Group Facebook pages, which provides an outlet for community involvement and reporting of wildlife activities and reports for the island.

Island Community Action: Collaborative partner in Future Portland CBS Ltd. b-side CIC: Collaborative partner in Future Portland CBS Ltd. TPA is a founder member of Future Portland CBS Ltd with a seat on the Management Committee. Future Portland is a member organisation from the community of the DT5 postcode area and beyond, with democratic participation of members in the management and priorities of the CBS. The decision to establish Future Portland was informed through consultation with the community during workshops focussed on how positive outcomes for Portland could be achieved and an open launch meeting in June 2025. Stop Portland Incinerator Campaign has been supported through the reporting period through direct liaison, attendance at campaign meetings and through engagement with ongoing working groups focussed on aspects of the proposed development. TPA has sourced expertise and information which has been made available to the campaign. TPA have also collaborated with the following organisations to deliver positive outcomes for the community: Portland Town Council, The Court Leet of the Royal Manor and Island of Portland, Historic England, Dorset Council. TPA continues to provide information through our Facebook page and responds to questions raised from the community.

No remuneration was received

No transfer of assets other than for full consideration