nuclear-news

Hinkley Point C saltmarsh plans ‘a disaster’, say MPs

A debate was held in Westminster Hall on October 10

Somerset Live By Daniel Mumby, Local Democracy Reporter, 11 Oct 24

Creating saltmarshes to offset the impact of Somerset’s new nuclear power station would be “a disaster”, according to local MPs. EDF Energy held a public consultation in January and February over its proposals for new saltmarshes on the Pawlett Hams, which lie on the right bank of the River Parrett near the villages of Combwich and Pawlett.

The company U-turned in early-September following a successful campaign by local residents, and is currently exploring four additional sites in Somerset and Gloucestershire which could offset the construction of Hinkley Point C. But local MPs have warned that saltmarshes will not address the underlying environmental issues and could harm existing flood defences

Sir Ashley Fox, the Conservative MP for Bridgwater, secured a parliamentary debate on this issue, which took place in Westminster Hall on Wednesday morning (October 9). He said: “The Pawlett Hams proposal was highly unpopular with the local community.

“In fact, it was difficult to find anyone who thought it was a good idea, and when I met representatives from EDF, even they seemed a little half-hearted about it.” When EDF Energy secured planning permission to build Hinkley Point C, it set out three separate proposals to prevent the loss of fish stocks in the Bristol Channel, from which water will be sourced to cool the power station’s reactor:……………………………………………………………………………………………….. https://www.somersetlive.co.uk/news/somerset-news/hinkley-point-c-saltmarsh-plans-9620846

October 13, 2024 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | environment