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Hinkley Point C in the local community

We know that a project of the scale of Hinkley Point C can have huge effects on the local community, and we take our responsibility for minimising local disturbance and creating maximum local benefit very seriously. 

image of the front cover of the latest issue of PluggedIn

Plugged in community magazine

Find out about the latest progress being made on site and what's happening in the local community in the Autumn 2023 edition of Plugged in.

Previous editions:

Public Consultation - Changes to Hinkley Point C's Development Consent Order

Following the approval of Hinkley Point C’s Development Consent Order in 2013 and the start of construction in 2016, refinements to the design of the nuclear power station and associated development have resulted in a number of changes being approved. In the years since the original application, technology has advanced whilst safer, more efficient methods of operating the power station have emerged.

Frequently asked questions

The current Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) limit is 500 vehicle movements per day.

What is a vehicle movement defined as?

A one-way journey counts as a single vehicle movement. For example, a HGV travelling from a freight management facility to the Hinkley Point C site constitutes a single vehicle movement. The HGV return journey from site would then count as another vehicle movement.

To help put this into context, approximately 16,000 vehicles are on the A39 south of Cannington every day.

How does this affect EDF Energy’s commitment to move 80% of construction materials by sea?

EDF is committed to delivering 80% of the aggregate materials needed by sea. The jetty is now operational, with each barge delivering the equivalent of 300 lorry loads of aggregate. 

What hours of the day are HGVs allowed to travel to Hinkley Point C?

HGV deliveries are not permitted on the local highway network between the hours of 22:00 and 07:00 (Monday to Saturday), other than in exceptional circumstances agreed with the Somerset authorities. HGVs on the local highway network on Sundays or on public holidays are not permitted.

Will there be HGV movements on a Sunday?

We are not seeking to change the existing permission in relation to Sundays - HGV deliveries on Sundays or public holidays are not permitted.

What is being done to improve transport infrastructure?

Over £20 million of road improvement schemes have already been delivered in Somerset, on the routes to Hinkley Point, leaving a permanent legacy of safer roads.

Recently delivered improvements include:

  • Cannington Bypass
  • Increasing the width of the highway at the A38 Bristol Road/The Drove junction
  • A new left turn slip road to improve operation of the Wylds Road/The Drove Junction
  • Upgrades to signal arrangements and carriageway alignment at the A39 Broadway/A38 Taunton Road Junction
  • Two new roundabouts at points on the road network that had evidence of frequent accidents

 

Somerset County Council has also been busy delivering (with our financial contributions of over £8million) additional improvements and initiatives in and around Bridgwater, including walking and cycling improvements.

What accommodation has been built?

Two accommodation campuses have been built as part of the project, one in Bridgwater and one at the Hinkley Point C site, to accommodate workers who move to the area. The Bridgwater campus is the largest of these developments with the site located on part of a former Innovia factory to the north of the A39 (Bath Road).

The campus provides living space and recreational facilities for 986 workers, it is designed with an amenity building which includes a canteen, laundry and gym. One full size and two 5-a-side pitches will also be available on the site for use by our workers and members of the public at certain times. For detail, see table below.

How do I get a job at Sedgemoor or Hinkley Campus?

If you wish to register your interest in opportunities at the campus, please register your interest online. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call a member of the team on 0800 029 4289.  

View currently available positions.

How do I book a room at Sedgemoor or Hinkley Campus?

The campuses are for the Hinkley Point C workforce only and are being managed by HOST. To book a room please visit, host-somerset.co.uk.

What will happen with the Sedgemoor Campus site once Hinkley Point C no longer need the accommodation?

After being used for Hinkley Point C, the buildings may be removed but key infrastructure will be maintained for future development. We’ve been working closely with Sedgemoor District Council and the infrastructure we’re developing fits well with their long-term plans for Bridgwater.

Aren’t the workers going to cause problems?

We don’t expect them to. They will be working hard when on shift and we have provided comprehensive facilities, including sports pitches and welfare facilities, to allow space to relax and wind-down when not working.

Additionally, all of our workers have to sign up to our code of conduct and we expect them to comply with this. If they don’t, we will take action. We have also developed comprehensive plans to support our workers and neighbouring communities to ensure there is successful integration. The police have additional resource and Sedgemoor District Council have been funded to have an extensive package of community support. You can find out more by contacting Kristy Blackwell at the Together Team on 01278 435216.

What are you doing with all the other land you own nearby?

We’re responsibly managing the land we’ve acquired, including Sydenham Manor, the listed building we own. It’s probable that land not required for the Hinkley Point C temporary campus will be sold for residential and commercial development, and we’ll continue to work with the Council to align with their long-term plans where possible for this area. Our core business is producing low carbon electricity.

Will we receive any compensation for the inconvenience that the works on Bath Road and the grass verge have caused?

We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience that these works have caused. There are a number of ways in which this inconvenience is addressed:

1. If you feel your property has reduced in value as a direct result of the works being carried out, there are legal protections available to you. You should seek independent legal advice on this matter.

2. Community Funds totalling £20million have been established to mitigate the impact of the Hinkley Point C project on the local community. Please visit hpcfunds.co.uk to understand how these funds can benefit your area. It is important to note that individuals cannot bid for money but this will need to be done by an established community group, local authority or charity.

3. Funds have already been granted to support the Sydenham Together project and to enhance Coronation Park.

4. HOST is the joint venture who manages the campus and they have outlined the following times and prices for the community use of the sports facilities:

DaysTimesPrices
Monday to Sunday9am - 9pm

5-a-side football pitch: £20 per hour

3G 11-a-side football pitch: £40 per hour or £60 for 2 hours

To book, or for further information, please email Hinkley Leisure at info@hinkleyleisure.com.

5. HOST are recruiting local residents to work as an integral part of the team to manage and operate the campus. There will be training and career opportunities as part of this.

Has the development affected the flood risk in the area?

The new drainage plan, which has been designed with and approved by the relevant authorities, has reduced the flood risk to the area.

The drainage arrangements are split into two areas: A. the area of the new campus, and B. the area of the new roadways

A. The area of the campus largely extends over the former Innovia site which had a significant amount of impermeable landscaping draining. The campus drainage has been designed to link in with the drainage masterplan for the area and catch storm water hitting impermeable surfaces such as roads and roofs and allowing it to drain into a new rhyne. This rhyne is 800m long and extends nearly half the circumference of the site. This new storage rhyne pumps out to the wider rhyne network.

B. The drainage system that has been approved for the roadways employs a 40m-long storage tank and a flow control devise, storing and slowly letting water into the combined sewer in the Bath Road.

Why is the bus stop so large and the grass verge so small?

The original plans provided for an on-carriageway bus stop. However, Bath Road is the A39 and is the main arterial route into Bridgwater from the east. There is therefore a need to ensure that traffic is not held up when buses are setting down and picking up passengers. There is also a risk that the operation of the junction would be impacted if the bus stop were kept on carriageway.

The bus stop has been designed with dimensions sufficient to enable vehicles to exit the A39 and decelerate in a safe manner prior to coming to a stop. The layout also enables buses to be kept clear of the running carriageway to ensure they do not interrupt the flow of traffic on the A39. The exit taper has been designed to enable buses to merge safely on to the A39.

There is also a need to ensure that facilities for all road users are provided for when new junctions are provided. These facilities must be designed with all road users in mind, including less confident cyclists. Where possible, off road cycle facilities should be provided and a width of 3.5m is recommended to provide for an effective separation between cyclists and pedestrians.

The scheme was therefore adjusted to incorporate these items resulting in the verge being reduced and the hard standing being increased.

What construction will take place at Combwich Wharf?

The existing wharf will be refurbished to allow large loads to be brought in by sea. The works will involve removing the existing Transfer Slab Quay, an important part of the abnormal loads quay which will provide the main area in which parts will be offloaded from the barge. The existing slab is being removed to allow new piles to be installed, at a greater depth than previous ones. The piles will be installed using vibrationary and drilling techniques to minimise disturbance to residents.

The refurbishment will enable the large, and often very heavy, pieces of equipment needed to build the new power station to be delivered via Combwich Wharf. 

Can I receive notifications regarding the works taking place at Combwich?

If you would like to receive updates regarding the wharf refurbishment, please send us your email address and name, mentioning the Combwich Wharf Distribution List in your enquiry.

Please see the latest progress updates.

Will lorries travel through Combwich village to get to the wharf?

An existing private road will be used to transport deliveries arriving at the wharf, it leads straight onto the C182.

When will the works take place?

Works have already begun on site with the bulk of construction expected to be completed by Summer 2021.

How is construction noise monitored?

Whilst we make every effort to keep noise disruption to a minimum, noise monitoring, which has been approved by Sedgemoor District Council, is in place. They are notified of any noise exceedances along with our environment team who take necessary action to ensure we are working within our set limits. 

What are the working hours for construction?

Construction activity is permitted to take place between the following times:

Monday to Friday – 0800 to 1900

Saturday – 0800 to 1300

The workforce may complete start-up and shut-down activities outside of these hours.

How often will dredging activities take place?

You can expect to see dredging activities taking place more regularly in the coming years, as the wharf receives an increased number of deliveries.

Do you have any information regarding recent deliveries?

Combwich Wharf has already facilitated a number of deliveries for Hinkley Point C, learn more about the deliveries here:

Main Fuel Tanks 

Tunnel Boring Machine Equipment 

Noise Mitigation 

What funding is available to Combwich residents?  

Funding of £500,000 is available to communities in Combwich.

Here are a few examples of where the monies are already benefiting local residents:

  • Combwich Motor Boat and Sailing Club purchased a Cornish gig boat and other associated equipment to support ongoing development of new sporting opportunities in the parish
  • Installation of local noticeboards
  • Purchase of IT equipment for the local primary school
  • Support of Combwich Community Choir

 

If you have an idea for future projects that could benefit from the funding, you can take it forward via the Otterhampton Parish Council clerk.

Alternatively, if you would like to apply for funding outside the area of Combwich, please contact Somerset Community Foundation.

I have a question about the works, how should I contact you? 

Please visit the contact us page to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help. 

The main phase of works for the Southern Infrastructure Project has now been completed. As part of our Nuclear Site Licence and emergency arrangements, we are required to have an alternative route onto site should anything happen to the main road (the C182) to the site. 

We have now built an Emergency Access Road which offers alternative access to the station.

Can I still use the footpath near RVP4?

For safety reasons, the usual footpath across the field is currently diverted down Ben Hole Lane where it links bank to the South West Coast Path. Signage is in place to show walkers where to go.

When will the area be open to the public?

We are hoping to be able to open the area for local residents to enjoy from late Spring 2021.

Will the Emergency Access Road be used for general Hinkley traffic?

No, the Emergency Access Road will only be used in the case of an emergency or by maintenance vehicles tasked to maintain the Southern Area.

Hinkley Point C Community Fund

As part of the development of Hinkley Point C, we have committed £20 million of community funding to improve the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of communities that are affected by the construction of our new nuclear power station. Over half of the fund has already been spent in supporting a number of exciting projects and good causes.

The projects that have received funding so far have been diverse. They range from two £250,000 grants to support both the construction of Wemdon’s new village hall and Williton’s new memorial ground and pavilion, to the funding of a new community gym, young people’s outreach workers, employment hubs and much more.

Being a good neighbour

We take our responsibility for minimising local disturbance very seriously and have been working with community representatives to put long-term plans in place to ensure it.

Find out more about what we're doing to support these five key areas:

Get involved in our Hinkley forums

Our Transport, Community and Main Site Forums meet regularly, helping us to keep in touch with our closest neighbours and offer regular updates on progress.

 

We launched the Transport Forum in February 2011, in order to provide a means for regular discussion between EDF and representatives of the local community on the transport strategy. At meetings our members discuss and advise EDF on key issues affecting the local road network and work to minimise the impacts to those living in the area.

The Community Forum provides a way for EDF and representatives of the local community to discuss the new nuclear build project at Hinkley Point C. This is in addition to the Site Stakeholder Group, a long-standing body that considers all matters relating to the Hinkley Point A and B stations.

The Community Forum meets three times a year, with more than 75 groups represented. Members discuss and advise EDF on key issues affecting the community and work with us to minimise the impact and maximise the benefits of new nuclear build to those living in the area.

If you represent a local group or organisation and would be interested in joining the Community Forum, please contact us on 0333 009 7070

The Main Site Forum was created in April 2011 to provide a mechanism for regular discussion between EDF and those neighbouring the Hinkley Point C site.

Members discuss and advise EDF on key issues affecting those living closest to the main site.

Upcoming meetings

Forum Date Time
Community Forum

18 January 2024
16 May 2024
19 September 2024

6pm
Main Site Forum

29 February 2024
20 June 2024
17 October 2024

6pm
Transport Forum

14 March 2024
11 July 2024
14 November 2024

6pm

Community bus service

Hinkley Point C is currently operating a community bus which runs from Bridgwater to Minehead, Monday to Friday.

Timetable

Bridgwater – Minehead

Monday - Friday

Service numberHPCHPCHPC
Bridgwater Bus Station09:3010:3013:40
Cannington Cemetery09:4510:4513:55
Combwich, Crossway Farm09:4910:4913:59
Stogursey, Acland Arms09:5910:5914:09
Nether Stowey, Pooles Close10:1411:1414:24
Nether Stowey, Castle Street10:1611:1614:26
Holford, Plough Inn10:2311:2314:33
Kilve, The Hood Arms10:2811:2814:38
Doniford, Letter-box10:3711:3714:47
Watchet, Liddymore Road Shops10:4211:4214:52
Watchet, WSR Rail Station10:4611:4614:56
Carhampton, Communtiy Hall11:0412:0415:14
Dunster Steep11:0712:0715:17
Minehead Parade11:1312:1315:23
Minehead Lidl11:1712:1715:27

Minehead – Bridgwater

Monday - Friday

Service numberHPCHPCHPC
Minehead Lidl-13:4514:35
Minehead Parade09:3013:5514:45
Dunster Steep09:3614:0114:51
Carhampton, Communtiy Hall09:3914:0414:54
Watchet, WSR Rail Station09:5714:2215:12
Watchet, Liddymore Road shops10:0114:2615:16
Doniford, Letter-box10:0614:3115:21
Kilve, The Hood Arms10:1514:4015:30
Holford, Plough Inn10:2014:4515:35
Nether Stowey, Pooles Close10:2814:5315:43
Nether Stowey, Castle Street10:3014:5515:45
Stogursey, Acland Arms10:4415:0915:59
Combwich, Crossway Farm10:5315:1816:08
Cannington Cemetery10:5715:2216:12
Bridgwater Bus Station11:1215:3716:27

Hire sports facilities at our campuses

The outdoor sports pitches at our accommodation campuses are available to the public for hire. The facilities are suitable for a range of activities, including five-a-side football, basketball and tennis.

Charges apply to members of the public wishing to hire these facilities. This charge contributes to the cost of general maintenance and use of exterior flood lights.

CampusFacilityPrices
Hinkley CampusMulti-Use Games Area£20 per hour
Sedgemoor CampusFull size 3G pitch£40 per hour or £60 for two hours
Sedgemoor CampusFive-a-side 3G pitches£20 per hour

Contact us

The best way to contact us about Hinkley Point C is by completing our online enquiry form. You can also call us on 0333 009 7070 (24 hour free phone number).

For EDF's 24/7 media enquiry line call 01452 652233.

Stay connected

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