PLANS for a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point took a step closer this week when the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) granted a nuclear site licence for the proposed Hinkley C.

The licence was given to NNB GenCo, the new nuclear build subsidiary of EDF Energy, although EDF has yet to formally commit financially to building the new station.

Earlier this month, EDF said a final decision to push ahead with Hinkley C still depended on the company agreeing a robust framework with Government on the future funding options for the nuclear industry.

In addition, the Planning Inspectorate and the Government have yet to give approval for the station itself to be built.

But EDF said the granting of the site licence was "another important component of its new nuclear plans".

It said the fact that the UK's independent nuclear regulator had issued the licence was a clear indication that its proposals were sound as the licence came with a host of operational conditions.

A further consent will be needed from the ONR before any nuclear-related construction can begin on site.

The Planning Inspectorate now has until December 21 to put forward its recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change.

EDF said it was "readying" itself to make a final investment decision on the Hinkley C.

The firm said, if approved, the project would be on a similar scale to the London Olympics and would deliver significant benefits in terms of jobs, skills and economic growth both locally and nationally.

Humphrey Cadoux-Hudson, EDF Energy managing director of nuclear new build, said: "The award of a nuclear site licence for Hinkley Point C is another crucial step forward as we ready ourselves to build the first new nuclear reactors in the UK for around 20 years, subject to our final investment decision.

"The nuclear site licence serves as a vote of confidence in EDF Energy's ability to deliver new nuclear.

"Following recent confirmation by the joint regulator that the EPR reactor design is on course for approval later this year, the award of the nuclear site licence serves as further evidence of the strong momentum behind our new nuclear plans."

He said Hinkley C would provide enough low carbon electricity to power five million homes and its construction would create around 25,000 jobs on site alone.

"However, there is still a great deal of work to be done before this nationally significant infrastructure project can become a reality," Mr Cadoux-Hudson said.

He said EDF remained focused on putting the components in place that would enable a final investment decision to be made "at the earliest possible date".

Somerset County Council welcomed the granting of the licence, with Cllr David Hall, cabinet member for economic development, saying: "This is positive news for the project and another step towards Somerset becoming the first area within the UK to host a new nuclear power station in more than 20 years.

"Safety is a top priority so it is reassuring to know that there are rigorous mechanisms in place for the ONR to oversee EDF's design and development of the Hinkley Point C site should overall approval be granted by the Secretary of State."