Detailed emergency plans exist for all UK nuclear power stations, outlining evacuation procedures for residents within designated zones in the event of a nuclear incident. Hinkley Point B in Somerset, which ceased electricity generation in 2022 after 46 years of operation and was declared defuelled in January 2026, is now advancing towards decommissioning.
Somerset Council has approved a proposal to remove the Detailed Emergency Planning Zone (DEPZ) around Hinkley Point B, following a report by EDF Energy that deems urgent protective actions unnecessary at this stage. Originally, the DEPZ encompassed all land and properties within a 3.5 km radius of the site - including the village of Stogursey, the hamlets of Burton and Shurton, and part of the Steart Marshes nature reserve.
With the agreed changes, the entire DEPZ will be withdrawn. EDF Energy states that this adjustment is justified due to the site’s defuelling.
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Additionally, the Outline Planning Zone (OPZ), which addresses the impact area of highly unlikely incidents, will be scaled back from 30 km-reaching beyond the M5 motorway to Glastonbury and Langport-to just 1 km surrounding the site.
According to Neil Kimmins of Somerset Council’s emergency planning team, a June public consultation drew limited responses. He reported that residents and workers near Hinkley Point were consulted about how the site’s changing status might affect them. Attendance at two drop-in sessions was low, with only eight members of the public participating, though feedback was also accepted online.
As one local parish councillor observed: ‘Local people know about the lowering risk at Hinkley Point B and are simply not worried.’
Councillor Leigh Redman, representing Bridgwater North and Central and speaking for the Hinkley Point A & B site stakeholder group, acknowledged broad agreement that Hinkley Point B has entered a fundamentally different phase. He supported the proposed proportional revision of off-site emergency plans, including the removal of the DEPZ and establishing a 1 km OPZ.
However, Councillor Redman emphasised that these changes should not be interpreted as the end of emergency planning. He noted: “Hinkley Point B will remain a nuclear licensed site and it will remain regulated. The public requires clear, straightforward information about what is changing and what is not, as well as who is responsible for warning and protecting communities if an incident occurs. Community confidence depends not only on technical assessments but also on transparency, continuity and clarity.”