A PUBLIC consultation is being held on changes EDF wants to make to its back-up power supply plans for the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.

The station’s current permit allows diesel generators to be used should Hinkley C suffer a power cut.

But, NNB Generation Company (HPC) Ltd, which actually owns the station, has applied to the Environment Agency (EA) for a variation to the permit.

Since the permit was originally granted in 2013, several design changes have been made.

An EA spokesperson said: “Nuclear power stations must have a permit for ‘combustion activities’.

“The proposed variation is to allow the installation of additional back-up generators and changes to those already permitted.

“These changes are intended to improve the site’s resilience in the event of a loss of off-site power.

“This is not for construction site activities.

“We will only issue a varied permit if we are satisfied the permit will ensure a high level of protection is provided for the environment and human health, and that the activities will not give rise to any significant pollution.”

The EA’s four-week consultation will run until 11.59 pm on Tuesday, June 16, and a final decision will be published by the autumn.

EA nuclear new build programme manager Claire Brown said: “We have been working with NNB Generation Company on its application to vary parts of their combustion permit.

“The company is proposing to install additional back-up generators and make changes to those already permitted.

“These changes should make the site more resilient in the event a power cut.”

The EA is asking for comments to be submitted via its online consultation website or by email to [email protected] quoting the application number EPR/ZP3238FH/V004.

Anybody unable to make a comment through those channels should call 03708 506 506.