EDF Energy has this week urged people in the Burnham-On-Sea area to make their voices heard on plans to expand Hinkley Point – as its second phase of consultation ends.
After more than 12 weeks of exhibitions, public meetings, online engagement and correspondence, the latest stage of consultation will close on Monday 4th October.
So far, more than 2,600 people have taken part, and there is still time for anyone who hasn’t already had their say to do so, says EDF.
The pre-application consultation runs to almost 9,000 pages and under planning rules, Stage 2 is intended to be an outline of the preferred proposals.
Details will be developed even further in the next stage, which is to prepare a full development consent application which reflects the issues raised in this and the previous pre-application consultation.
Richard Mayson, EDF Energy’s Director of Planning and External Affairs for Nuclear New Build, said this week: “We want to thank all those who have taken part so far. The views of local people are so important to us and that is why we are calling on local residents and organisations to contribute to the process.”
“The project is crucial to ensure safe, affordable and low-carbon power for the UK. From the responses so far we know there is significant local recognition of the benefits the plant will bring. It will inject 100 million per year to the local economy during construction and 40 million per year during operation, as well as creating 900 permanent jobs.”
“We thank the local authorities for their input on the areas where they want to see more detail. It is important to note that at this pre-application stage full details are not required under the Planning Act and we commit to provide full and final details in the development consent order we will submit this coming winter.”
“Our commitment to listen to responses and take views on board is ongoing. We made a number of changes to our plans following the first stage of our consultation and we remain committed to keeping this dialogue open.”
“We will continue to work together with the local authorities and communities to maximise the benefits to the local area and to limit any adverse affects as far as possible.”
Local residents can view and comment on the plans by calling into the EDF Energy offices at 14 King Square, Bridgwater during normal office hours or online at www.edfconsultation.info
