EDF Energy is considering transforming agricultural land into a caravan site with 103 pitches to accommodate Hinkley Point C workers in Nether Stowey.

The French energy giant has submitted a request for an Environmental Impact Assessment screening opinion to Sedgemoor District Council (SDC).

Developers can apply for a screening opinion before submitting a planning application to determine if a development requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). 

This helps identify projects that could have a significant effect on the environment before formal applications are submitted.

EDF (Électricité de France) made the request to SDC on August 31. It relates to land at Quantock Lakes to the north-east of Inwood Farm.

An EIA screening request was previously submitted to SDC on August 4, with the council confirming that it would not be required.

The red-line boundary and a proposed footpath leading towards Nether Stowey have since been amended, which is why a second application has been made.

If granted, the screening would assess the site location plan and layout plan, provide information regarding the “sensitivity of the site and surrounding area”, and a description of the “potential for environmental effects”.

The proposed scheme would see the land house 103 caravan pitches for use by Hinkley Point C workers until the end of 2025.

An adjacent area has already been granted planning consent to be used to house workers.

Full list of SDC planning applications

This is one of eight planning applications received by SDC between September 1 and September 7, 2022.

For more details, and to comment on applications, log on to www.sedgemoor.gov.uk/planning.

BRENT KNOLL

07/22/00021: Repollard Salix Fragilis back to previous pruning points (T4). 5 The Willows, Brent Knoll, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 4EJ.

BRIDGWATER WITHOUT

09/22/00029: Retrospective application for the creation of 188 no. car parking spaces and 8 no. motorcycle parking spaces to serve the Hinkley Point C Satellite Delivery Centre (SEIC). Provision of additional lighting columns, security and height restriction barriers. Land At, Woodlands Court Business Park, Bristol Road, Bridgwater, Somerset.

BURNHAM & HIGHBRIDGE

11/22/00078: Erection of single storey rear (NE) and side (NW) extension. 42 Oldway Place, Highbridge, Somerset, TA9 3LW.

CHEDDAR

17/22/00047: Application for Prior Approval for the Proposed Change of use of agricultural building to 1no. single storey dwelling and associated operational works. Hill Farm, Brinscombe Lane, Weare, Axbridge, BS26 2LH.

NETHER STOWEY

36/22/00019: Request for EIA Screening Opinion for proposed change of use of land from agricultural land to a caravan site of 103 no. caravan pitches, to accommodate Hinkley Point C (HPC) workers on land to the north-east of Inwood Farm, Nether Stowey (Quantock Lakes). Inwood Farm, Cannington Road, Nether Stowey, Bridgwater, TA5 1HY.

PURITON

42/22/00028: Demolition of outbuilding and erection of a dwelling and detached garage, and creation of access. 7 Batch Road, Puriton, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA7 8BY.

SPAXTON

45/22/00028: Alterations to existing ancillary accommodation, including the erection of two storey side (North) and roof height extension, installation of front (East) gabled dormer and Juliet balcony, with the erection of wrap around rear (West) and side (North) pergola. Lydeard Hill House, Aisholt, Bridgwater, TA5 1AR.

WEMBDON

51/22/00005: Erection of bungalow partially on site of existing garage (to be demolished). 39 Church Road, Wembdon, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 7RP.