Almost two-thirds of local people support plans for a new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point, a new poll by independent research company ICM1 has revealed.
According to the poll of 1002 people living within Sedgemoor, Taunton Deane and West Somerset and within 25 miles of the site, 63% support the development of Hinkley Point C. Only 17% said that they were opposed to a new power station. More than three quarters (77%) of those surveyed support nuclear power as part of the balance with coal, gas and wind power; just 14% are opposed.
The majority (85%) of the locals polled say that the project is important for local jobs and nearly two thirds (63%) feel that it is important for the future of businesses in the area.
The results of the poll were published as developer EDF Energy announced that 2600 people have taken part in its consultation on plans for Hinkley Point C. The company is now reviewing the responses as it develops its formal planning application.
Richard Mayson, EDF Energy’s director of planning and external affairs for nuclear new build, said: “Hinkley Point C will provide safe, affordable and low-carbon power. The latest local opinion survey shows that there is significant local support and recognition of the benefits the plant will bring. It will inject £100 million per year to the local economy during construction and £40 million per year during operation, as well as creating 900 permanent jobs. We know from our survey that these are some of the issues that matter most to local people.”
Two new EPRs at Hinkley Point C would be capable of supplying enough electricity for around five million homes and at the peak of construction would provide around 5000 jobs on-site and more in the supply chain. Once operational, the new power station would support around 900 permanent direct jobs as well as many more indirect jobs.
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