Press Release – 13 August, 2020
BANNG welcomes the overwhelming rejection of proposals for a new nuclear power station at Bradwell. A Special Meeting of the Council on 12 August voted unanimously for a policy motion put by Council Leader Mark Cory that ‘This Council objects to new nuclear at Bradwell due to the local environmental impacts and prefers a focus on renewable energy alternatives’.
In a vigorous and informed debate, the multiple reasons for opposing the Bradwell B project were covered. These included: the vast scale and menacing nature of the proposals with two massive nuclear reactors, turbines, bulky cooling towers, tunnels into the estuary, port facilities transmission towers, accommodation blocks and long-term nuclear waste stores all of which would destroy a precious, ecologically rich landscape and the estuary’s fishing, oysters and recreational assets.
During the debate, Councillors urged a ‘Colchester united front’ approach amongst Councillors and local MPs. Those Borough Councillors who were also Essex County Councillors were urged to take the objections and issues raised to the County.
In its statement to the Council BANNG’s Chair, Professor Andy Blowers, identified four fundamental reasons for rejecting the proposals by Chinese developer CGN recently put out to consultation. One, that the site is inappropriate since it would be utterly transformed into a noisy, oppressive, polluting, dangerous and depressing nuclear complex. Two, that it is unsustainable now and unviable in the longer term as the impacts of climate change overwhelm this flat, low-lying area. Three, it is unacceptable for such a dangerous power station and long-term highly radioactive waste stores to be located so close to large populations such as Mersea and Colchester that would be completely unprotected in the event of a major release of radioactivity. And, four, the site is unsuitable since its precious environment and heritage is irreplaceable and would be severely compromised if not altogether destroyed.
BANNG also called for the Council to support its request to BRB to undertake a Social Impacts Assessment to consider the effects of the Bradwell project on the health and wellbeing of the Blackwater communities.
BANNG and the Council have worked closely over the years on the Bradwell B issue and Prof. Blowers said BANNG was committed to continuing to provide its resources and support to the Council in the endeavour to reject Bradwell as a potentially suitable site for Bradwell B or any other nuclear project.
After the meeting Cllr.Peter Banks of West Mersea Town Council and Coordinator of BANNG said: ‘With my practical, scientific mind, I endorse this policy. With my passionate, environmentally pumping heart, I endorse this policy. BANNG is delighted that all Councillors, regardless of political persuasion, have endorsed this policy’.