If the paperwork is considered to be in order, the application will be posted on the council’s website next week for the public to see it, the council said.
Hinkley is one of eight sites identified by the government as a candidate for new nuclear power stations. EDF hopes that getting a head start on its preliminary works will help speed construction if the new reactors at Hinkley Point eventually get planning permission. If the new reactors are thrown out after preliminary works have been allowed to go ahead, a tree planting programme will be conducted to help restore the site to something like its original condition.
West Somerset DC planning manager Andrew Goodchild said: “Clearly this is a complex planning application with many wide ranging impacts that need to be carefully considered. Our first task is to assess whether or not all of the necessary information to accompany the application has been submitted. If the material is complete, we will register the application and begin the consultation process. If not we will seek the necessary information from EDF Energy.”
He added: “Once we are sure we have all the necessary information, we will write to residents, local Councils, interest groups as well as a wide range of statutory consultees including the Environment Agency, Natural England and English Heritage, as well as consulting with our partner authorities of Sedgemoor District Council and Somerset County Council to seek their views".
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