WILLITON could be handed some "legacy" housing if EDF Energy's plans to construct a third nuclear power station at Hinkley Point get the go-ahead.

The French company has abandoned plans for campus-style accommodation for construction workers on land near Mamsey House residential care home to the west of the village.

And it has also switched its preferred option for a park and ride development from the Mamsey site to the Smithyard lorry park near the Tropiquaria attraction, which could also result in long awaited highways improvements - a roundabout at the Washford Cross junction.

But at Williton's annual parish assembly on Tuesday, David Eccles, head of EDF's Bridgwater office, confirmed that the company was in discussion with a number of developers over potential housing developments in West Somerset.

One site already identified is Watchet's East Quay and Paddons Farm in Stogursey.

But questioned by former Williton parish councillor Diane Hooper, Mr Eccles confirmed that some discussions had taken place in relation to the provision of 'long term' housing in Williton.

"But these are at a very early stage," he warned.

Although a comprehensive blueprint drawn up by West Somerset Council and neighbouring Sedgemoor District Council outlines a compensation wish list that includes leisure facilities and a link road, Mr Eccles said EDF saw the "real legacy" of the proposed nuclear development not in the provision of a swimming pool in Minehead but in the creation of training structures.

Mr Eccles said the company was working closely with the West Somerset Community College to this end.

The application for the nuclear build itself is due to go to the independent Infrastructure Planning Commission this summer, with a decision from the Government expected a year later.

Mr Eccles said he hoped a separate application for preliminary works, which will be decided by West Somerset Council, would go before the authority's planning committee in June.