New Hinkley inquiry over saltmarsh proposals
THE environmental impact of Somerset’s new nuclear power station will be the subject of a new planning inquiry which could be held within 18 months.
Around 11,000 people are currently working at the Hinkley Point C construction site, near Stogursey, with this number expected to rise to 12,000 in coming months – with some reports it couldrise to 15,000.
EDF Energy secured planning consent for the power station back in 2013, with construction starting three years later – a consent which include a number of measures to offset the environmental impact of the new facility. The company is seeking to make a number of changes to the agreed measures, which will require the approval of the Planning Inspectorate – resulting in a new public inquiry where residents can have their say. Any material changes will need to be authorised by a secretary of state. EDF expect to submit proposals in spring 2025, likely to result in a public examination, which would begin by autumn 2025. EDF’s proposals include:
Removing the need to install an acoustic fish deterrent in the Bristol Channel
Providing ecological mitigation to counter the potential loss of fish stocks from this deterrent – in the form of new saltmarshes near the River Parrett
Changing the agreed interim spent fuel store from a wet store to a larger dry store.
Chris Fayers, head of environment at the Hinkley Point C project, stated in January: “The new wetland would be a fantastic place for wildlife and a beautiful place to visit. Using natural and proven ways to improve the environment is better than creating 60 years of noise pollution with a system that is untested far offshore in the fastflowing waters of the River Severn.”