Working to benefit local people

We know that a project of the scale of Hinkley Point C can have huge effects on the local community; there may be disruption to local traffic, construction noise and impacts on the environment. But there are also enormous opportunities; from new jobs to contracts for local businesses and suppliers as well as our education, skills and training initiatives, local people will gain now and in future generations.

We take our responsibility for minimising local disturbance and creating maximum local benefit very seriously. We have been working with community representatives to put long-term plans in place to ensure it. We are committed to transparency around the work being done, which is why up-to-date and accurate information about the work being done and its likely effects is always available online and at our Visitor Centre in Bridgwater.

The 2020 report ‘Hinkley Point C: Realising the socio-economic benefits’ demonstrates the benefits the project is already delivering for the local community, find out more by reading the report here.

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Frequently asked questions

Coronavirus

Q: What steps has the project taken to minimise risk following the Christmas break?

A. Our extensive measures to prevent infection are proving to be effective and they will continue to be in place for as long as the risk exists. Our approach has been commended by Public Health England and our independent regulator, the Office for Nuclear Regulation.

The movement of workers to and from our region has been an area of concern for some in the community. That is why we took expert advice on the best way to prepare for workers returning after the Christmas break. As a result, we are completing an extensive testing programme - doubling our capacity for random and targeted testing across the entire workforce. This will identify people carrying the virus, even if they don’t show any symptoms. If they test positive, they will be asked to self-isolate in line with Government guidance.

In addition, anyone returning from overseas countries not covered within existing air corridor arrangements will quarantine and be tested before returning to work. All new starters will continue to be tested at our testing centre at Junction 23.

We also know that personal responsibility and reinforcing the right behaviours is paramount. We are continuing to increase our team of “Covid Champions” who are reinforcing safe behaviours whilst communicating to all employees on the importance of Covid safety as they return to work.

Q. Is construction at Hinkley Point C continuing?

A. The safety of our workers and the community is our first priority at Hinkley Point C. The project has robust safe working arrangements in place to prevent the spread of infection whilst enabling construction to continue. 

2020 has given us invaluable experience which is helping us take the necessary action to prevent infection. This includes staggering shifts to avoid congestion and creating separated teams to avoid the risk of infection.

We remain vigilant and are adapting our approach as the pandemic evolves. We will continue to listen to the community and make improvements wherever we can.

The project is deemed by Government as equivalent to a project of critical national importance, as it will play a key role in providing the UK with reliable low-carbon electricity. Alok Sharma, Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy wrote an open letter to construction workers, which can be read here, thanking them for their support in this joint national effort.

Q. What steps has the project taken in response to the Coronavirus pandemic?

A. We follow guidance on safe working from industry bodies and the Government, and our performance is regulated by internal safety inspection and an independent regulator. We will continue to adhere to the latest Government advice and will not compromise on safety. Our workforce levels on site are defined by safety and our ability to maintain social distancing. 

A number of strict control measures have been introduced across the project:

  • Shift patterns are staggered, start and finish times, breaks and access pinch points are carefully planned and remain tightly controlled to avoid congestion.
  • Teams are also in segregated bubbles in offices and out on the construction site to avoid the risk of infection. 
  • Face coverings are now mandatory in more situations. This now affects workers moving around inside buildings on the site, in canteens, changing rooms and offices.
  • Workers will continue to have their temperature taken before entering the site via thermal imaging cameras (located at the park and ride sites and site entrance). 
  • We have our own extensive testing capability, we test all new starters for Coronavirus as well as completing random and targeted testing across the entire workforce.
  • We have our own track and trace capability, enforcing self-isolation when appropriate.
  • Protective screens have been installed in our canteens and on coaches. 
  • Extra buses are in operation to limit the number of passengers, facilitating social distancing, and face coverings are mandatory as they are on public transport in the rest of the country. 
  • Bus services for workers are focused on our park and ride sites where social distancing can be enforced, minimising stops in the community.
  • Enhanced cleaning of buses, canteens, building handrails, door handles, desks, eating areas, welfare facilities, toilets, is now routine.
  • Additional walkways have been introduced to allow travel on foot between construction site buildings – reducing the need for travel on internal buses.
  • Meeting rooms have been converted to provide additional areas available for breaks giving extra space.
  • Increased information, posters and announcements on-site to remind people to follow the rules.
  • Trained "Covid Champions" help to reinforce safe behaviours.
  • We are not encouraging a full return to offices for those that have been successfully working from home.

 

Q. What will be the impact on the local economy?

A. We are conscious that many people in the community depend on Hinkley Point C for their livelihoods. During the peak of the crisis, we continued to support the Somerset businesses that provide the project with transport, catering and accommodation. Life is still far from normal and the pandemic is not over, but getting back to work has many benefits for our suppliers and the jobs they support here in Somerset and beyond.

Q. How are you helping the community? 

A. The project and its contracting partners continue to support the local community, previous donations include:

  • Donated supplies to Bridgwater Food Bank ahead of the Christmas break.
  • Supported the Bridgwater Shoebox Appeal.
  • Donated hundreds of toys at Christmas to the children’s ward at Musgrove Park Hospital.
  • Delivered personal protective equipment to NHS (Weston General Hospital in Weston-Super-Mare and Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton).
  • Donated personal protective equipment to Children’s Hospice South West.
  • Supported Fare Share South West by providing a chiller van to enable food deliveries to vulnerable people throughout the region.
  • Delivered 37,000 meals to under pressure workers in smaller NHS facilities like mental health units, community hospitals and care homes.
  • Partnered with Somerset Care to provide Hinkley Point C volunteers to undertake tasks such as gardening.
  • Provided 1,000 face masks to Devon and Somerset fire and rescue service.

 

Further information on the measures taken at Hinkley Pont C during the Coronavirus crisis can be found here. 

Q. How are you making decisions?

A. We are continuing to follow Government and Public Health England advice and taking expert advice to protect our workforce and the community. We work under the oversight of our independent regulator, the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR). The ONR has inspected the site and has said that control measures in place at Hinkley Point C are appropriate.

We will also continue to work with the trade unions and listen to our workforce and the community.

HGVs

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.

Accommodation Campuses

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.  

To see positions currently available, please click here.

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.

Combwich Wharf

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 here. 

Please see the latest progress updates here.

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. 

Southern Infrastructure Project

The main phase of works have now begun on the Southern Infrastructure Project. Located just off Shurton Road in Shurton, the works involve building an Emergency Access Road which will join up with the road network on site. A new bridge is also needed over Bum Brook to allow larger emergency vehicles to access site should the main road to the power station (the C182) be unpassable for any reason.

Find out more about the works in a video here.

How long will the works last?

Construction works will continue throughout 2020 with landscaping works due to take place in Winter 2020 / Spring 2021. 

What can local residents expect to see?

With a new road and bridge being built over Bum Brook, the landscape will change. Local residents can expect to see welfare facilities for the workers, construction vehicles in use and materials being delivered to the area.   

We will do our very best to limit noise levels using mitigation and best practice to comply with the thresholds set by Sedgemoor District Council. Noise monitoring stations continue to be in operation to support this.

Can I still use the footpath?

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. We recently undertook some work to improve the underfoot conditions of the diverted path. 

Can I receive notifications regarding the works taking place?

If you would like to receive updates regarding the Southern Infrastructure Project, please send us your email address and name, mentioning the Southern Infrastructure distribution list in your enquiry here.

For general questions about the project, please visit the About Hinkley Point C page. 

What's going on now?

We carefully manage our works at Hinkley Point C, ensuring our construction activity has minimal impact on our neighbours. However, you may still see and hear some aspects of the work. This is a summary of some of our current works. 

For further information you can call us freephone on 0333 009 7070 at any time, or email us at hinkleyenquiries@edf-energy.com.

We’re sorry for any inconvenience these works may cause.

LocationDescription of works
Unit 1 Reactor On our first reactor building, works continue on the In-Reactor Water Storage Tank. We are also preparing to install the first Emergency Diesel Generator tanks. We have successfully completed the sixth and final concrete pour for the HKZ Column, which is part of the aeroplane crash wall and stands at 30m tall.
HGE Gallery Now the civils element of the HGE Gallery is complete, the MEH (Mechanical, Electrical & HVAC) team will begin their scope of work. This 305-metre gallery runs between the Raw Water Storage building and Unit 1/2, transporting the emergency cooling water.
Southern Infrastructure Works continue to build the Emergency Access Road onto site. More information is available in the FAQ section above.
Combwich WharfWe have seen good progress on the removal of the Transfer Slab. Our focus for November will be installation of the piles. For more information on the refurbishment works, please visit the FAQ section above where a specific update is posted.    

Being part of the community

Hinkley Point C has already created 6,500 jobs, with a total of 25,000 job opportunities set to be created throughout the construction period. The project is also providing a boost to the local economy with significant prospects for businesses in the local area. We have also delivered substantial improvements to the local infrastructure, from skills centres to bypasses. Through Hinkley Point C, people of all ages have access to vital education and personal development programmes.

We have also set up a £20 million Community Fund for improvements for communities most affected by the development of Hinkley Point C. Over half of the fund has already been spent in supporting a number of exciting projects and good causes.

Within this section:

Find out more

Being a good neighbour

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

More information, including the notes and supporting documents for the meetings of the Main Site, Community and Transport Forums, is available here. 

Within this section:

Find out more

Plugged in

Find out about the latest progress being made on site and what's happening in the local community, in the Autumn 2020 edition of Plugged in.

 

In this edition..

Read more

Get involved in our Hinkley forums

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

 

2021 forum meeting dates

All meeting start at 6pm, online until further notice.

ForumDates
Community Forum

21 January 2021 | 20 May 2021 | 23 September 2021

Transport Forum

18 March 2021 | 22 July 2021 | 25 November 2021

Main Site Forum

4 March 2021 | 24 June 2021 | 21 October 2021

 

Community Forum

The Community Forum provides a way for EDF Energy 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 Energy 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.

Meeting notes and related forum papers are available here.

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

Transport Forum

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

Meeting notes and related forum papers are available here.

Main Site Forum

As part of our consultation we have established a Main Site Forum to provide a mechanism for regular discussion between EDF Energy and those neighbouring the Hinkley Point C site.

The Main Site Forum started in April 2011. Members discuss and advise EDF Energy on key issues affecting those living closest to the main site.

Meeting notes and related forum papers are available here.

Community bus service

given the current restrictions in place as a result of the on-going pandemic, the Hinkley Point C Community Bus service will be temporarily suspended as of Monday 4 January 2021.

We have carefully reviewed the latest Government guidance and feel that, for everyone’s safety, the temporary suspension of the service is the most appropriate action to take at this time.

We will continue to review the service alongside Government guidance and when it is appropriate to re-commence, we will update the website.

Sports facilities

The outdoor sports pitches at our accommodation campuses are available to the public for hire on a first come, first served basis. The facilities are suitable for a range of sporting 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.

DaysTimesPrices

Monday to Sunday

9am - 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.

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

If you have a question about your EDF bill or account, contact our customer services team on 0333 200 5100 or find out more here.

For media enquiries, email media@edfenergy.com.

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