WEST Somerset Council’s cabinet is being asked to challenge Hinkley Point C power station’s plans to change the way it will deal with waste nuclear fuel until the council gets more information.

At its meeting next Wednesday, the cabinet committee will be recommended to object to EDF Energy’s application to the Government’s planning inspectorate for “non-material changes” to the £19.6 billion project.

This would allow an interim spent nuclear fuel store with a life of 120 years to be increased in size - up in length from 150 to 229 metres, eight metres wider and five metres higher, making it one of the biggest buildings on the site.

EDF claims a larger building is needed because it has been decided to keep the nuclear waste dry in concrete and steel cannisters rather than, as originally planned, in wet storage in a pool.

Officers have now advised cabinet members to query whether the change is non-material and to raise objections with the planning inspectorate about the lack of information on possible environmental impacts of the suggested change in waste storage.

Members have also been urged to question the visual impact of the proposed alterations and its effect on the nearby West Somerset coastal path.

The council is one of several authorities to be consulted before the application goes to the Secretary of State. If successful, the structure’s design and layout will come before the council’s planning committee.

Full report in the Free Press (Oct 27)