The Executive of Sedgemoor District Council has this week said that EDF Energy’s transport plans during the construction of a proposed nuclear power station at Hinkley Point are “wholly inadequate”.
At a meeting on Wednesday (March 14th), members of the council’s Executive voted unanimously in favour of asking the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) for a dedicated hearing about EDF’s transport plans.
The IPC will ultimately advise the government on whether or not to approve the plans.
The Executive’s comments follow a report by Councillor Julian Taylor, Chairman of Sedgemoor’s Community Scrutiny Committee, which outlined a number of concerns.
The report says that EDF’s work on detailed plans for a northern bypass had not been started early enough the energy firm, leading to fears about severe congestion and damage to roads from heavy construction vehicles.
Cllr Taylor added that there are “real concerns” about the implications and its economic performance if solutions are not found.
He felt the congestion could spread to other parts of the road network in the for Sedgemoor area.
Members agreed that a fully costed, integrated transport package – which should be in line with local policies and which would leave a lasting legacy – should be developed.
Previously, Burnham and Highbridge town councillors have also expressed concern about the amount of heavy construction traffic using the A38 through the area on its way to Hinkley Point. EDF has not been able to give assurances that traffic will not use the route.
