THE Bradwell B nuclear plant’s team have welcomed an appeal decision which went in its favour.

The Planning Inspectorate announced its decision last Friday to allow the Bradwell B planning appeal and grant planning permission to conduct temporary ground investigation and load testing works on the proposed site for Bradwell B in Bradwell-on-Sea.

Alan Raymant, Bradwell B’s chief executive, said: “We welcome the Planning Inspectorate’s decision, which recognises the significant work that our team has done to avoid impacts for the community and the surrounding environment.

“Bradwell B is a hugely important project, which will deliver low carbon electricity to support net zero, as well as create significant job and economic benefits locally and regionally.

“This decision allows us to continue to work diligently to move the project forward.

“The works under consideration have only ever been a way to understand more about the site for Bradwell B, allowing informed design and mitigation to be proposed ahead of future consultation with the public and ultimately an application for development consent for the power station itself.

“We look forward to resuming these investigative works at the appropriate time and we will keep our neighbouring communities fully informed.”

Bradwell B originally made the application to Maldon District Council who declined planning permission in August last year.

Read more: 

During the appeal a new issue was raised regarding the potential impact of the work on seahorses.

This resulted in an Issue Specific Hearing in September 2021.

The Bradwell B team say it conducted months of careful consideration and engagement with stakeholders to propose a programme of works which would minimise or remove entirely any impacts of the proposed temporary works for local residents, wildlife, and local heritage assets.

The Planning Inspectorate concluded Maldon District Council acted “unreasonably” in refusing planning permission on planning grounds which were capable of being dealt with by condition.

The Bradwell B (BRB) team say it will continue to work with the council to progress the project which its hoped will help meet the UK’s commitment to net zero.

Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group (BANNG) campaigners expressed disappointment.

A spokesman said: “BANNG is naturally disappointed that BRB’s appeal to the Planning Inspectorate against the refusal by the council of permission for further land investigations at Bradwell was successful. But this does not give a green light to a future nuclear power station at Bradwell.”

Andy Blowers, chair of BANNG, added: “We maintain our view that granting permission for land investigations may pave the way for a potential planning application for a new nuclear power station that would unnecessarily utterly disturb and destroy the precious terrestrial and marine ecology of the area.”