Hinkley nuclear project in £64m planning deal

EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C nuclear power plant plans have moved a step closer to reality as it has agreed a section 106 deal for £64m with local councils.

The agreement for £64m reached this week will only apply if the firm gets planning permission for the plant from the Planning Inspectorate, which is currently assessing it’s application and is expected to reach a decision before the end of the year.

EDF will then take its final investment decision on whether to build the plant.

The money will be used to improve schools, training, housing and transport facilities in the local area.

The new deal means EDF will hand £94m in total to Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset Council and West Somerset Council, with £30m previously agreed as part of its planning permission for the preparation works at the site, which are currently underway.

Vincent de Rivaz, chief executive of EDF, said: “It heralds a new phase in the Hinkley project and is another important stepping stone ahead of our final investment decision.”

Duncan McGinty , Sedgemoor Council Leader, said: “This will be a huge project that has the ability to shape and change the nature of the local economy so our role will be to work with EDF to make sure our expectations are fulfilled.”