Hinkley Point

Proposed New Nuclear Power Station, Hinkley Point C

The National Policy Statements on energy have identified that Hinkley Point in West Somerset is a potentially suitable site for a new nuclear power station. EDF Energy is proposing to build two new nuclear reactors, known collectively as Hinkley Point C, at the site.

This web page provides information on:

Development Consent Order Update

On 19th March 2013 the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change granted a development consent order to EDF Energy to build and operate Hinkley Point C and associated development. The decision follows the submission of EDF Energy's application to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (now the Planning Inspectorate) on 31 October 2011.

Documents relating to the decision can be found by viewing the case file on the National Infrastructure Directorate pages.

Site Prep Update

This work is designed to ensure the timely delivery of a new nuclear power station should the SOS give consent for the power station. The application was approved by West Somerset Council in January 2012 taking into account the national policy relating to Nuclear and Hinkley Point.

The application for this work contains 5 phases.

Phase 0, pre-commencement works, this includes removal of three barns and an area of trees, construction of site fencing and associated perimeter access road and archaeological work.
Phase 1, site preparation works vegetation clearance, this includes construction of site fencing and associated perimeter access road, establishment of the alternative footpaths, archaeological work and removal of trees and hedgerows.
Phase 2, site preparation works earthworks, deep excavations, provision and relocation of drainage infrastructure and site establishment works.
Phase 3, post completion pre-“follow on “ works include ongoing management and maintenance of the site.
Phase 4, potential site preparation works reinstatement of the site.

At present EDF Energy have completed Phase 0 and Phase 1 but have not started Phase 2. West Somerset Council monitors and controls the works via conditions and obligations set out in the decision notice and the Section 106 legal agreement.

On the right hand side of this page is he March 2013 newsletter which provides a brief overview of progress made on the Hinkley Point C development.

EDF Energy's Development Consent Order (DCO) application

EDF’s DCO application has been considered by the Planning Inspectorate following an examination that ran throughout 2012.

The Planning Inspectorate issued a report of recommendation to the Secretary of State (SOS) on the 19^th of December 2012. The recommendation has not yet been made public (this includes the Local Planning Authorities). The SOS will make its decision on or before the 19^th of March, it is at this point the recommendation of the Inspectorate will be made available.

If you would like to view the application or any other documents associated with the application you can find it on the ‘National Infrastructure Planning’ website (http://infrastructure.planningportal.gov.uk/).

Joint Local Impact Report Submitted

West Somerset Council along with its partnering authorities of Somerset County Council and Sedgemoor District Council have submitted a joint Local Impact Report (LIR) in connection with the Hinkley Point C application to the Examining Authority at the Planning Inspectorate meeting the 3rd May deadline.

The Local Impact Report is part of the legal examination process and marks the Council's principal opportunity to put down in writing their evidence of the potential positive and negative impacts of the development. It also highlights what they believe should be done to protect the interests of local communities.

A copy of the LIR can be downloaded from the Planning Inspectorates website

A hard copy of the report is available to view at the respective Council offices, in West Somerset's case this at the Williton offices.

An Executive Summary of the Local Impact Report has also been produced and can be found within the Related Documents section on the right of this page

Site Preparation Works

EDF's Site Preparation Works application (3/32/10/037) was granted consent on the 27th January 2012. The decision was issued alongside a Section 106 Agreement and a series of phase related conditions. Prior to works commencing EDF are required to discharge the relevant conditions and obligations with the relevant authority. For conditions this is solely West Somerset Council and the progress of condition discharge can be viewed by visiting our 'Site Preparation Works Condition Discharge page

Further Information

If you require further information on Hinkley Point C, please contact: hinkleydevelopmentmanagement@westsomerset.gov.uk

Alternatively contact the Major Projects team on 01984 635211.