The community of Kingston Seymour in North Somerset is up in arms over EDF’s proposal to convert vast stretches of local farmland into a salt marsh in order to compensate for fish mortality caused by the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station’s cooling system. The sudden announcement of the plans has sparked outrage among the residents, with local farmer Sophie Cole expressing her deep concerns. She stated that the proposed salt marsh boundary included her cottage and land holding, posing a significant threat to her livelihood and future as a young farmer.
Amidst the heated public meeting held in the village hall, Martin Sewell of Kingston Seymour Parish Council likened the plans to a “surprise attack,” lambasting the disruption it has caused to the community’s day-to-day lives. The meeting, attended by approximately 230 locals with a further 300 watching online, saw strong opposition from the residents and MPs alike. Tessa Munt, MP for Wells and Mendip Hills, firmly stood with the residents, emphasizing the need for clarity and transparency on the details of the project. In a statement, North Somerset MP Sadik Al-Hassan also expressed concerns regarding the impact of the proposal on farms and rural communities that have been intrinsic to the region for generations.
EDF, while acknowledging the contentious nature of the proposal, assured the residents that the project would involve extensive collaboration and be intricately designed to work for both nature and the local community. The company disclosed that while there are no finalized plans for the entire area, detailed evidence to mitigate any potential increase in flood risk would be imperative for the project’s approval.
READ MORE: Somerset’s roads receive minimal impact from extra funding
READ MORE: Tragic Double Loss Strikes West Country Family
Although EDF initially considered using underwater speakers to deter fish from the inlets, the impracticality and potential environmental impact led to a shift in their approach. The rejection of the initial site at Pawlett Hams due to local opposition prompted EDF to explore alternative locations for the salt marshes, such as Arlingham, Rodley, and Littleton-upon-Severn, emphasizing the necessity to ensure minimal negative impact on the local environment.
The substantial backlash from the villagers and the apprehension regarding the environmental and social impact of the proposed salt marsh plans have raised pertinent questions about the project’s sustainability and the pivotal role of collaboration between stakeholders in such initiatives.