Hinkley Point jetty decision announced

The applications, from NNB Generation Company Ltd (a subsidiary of EDF Energy), were approved with conditions by the MMO, using its powers under the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 and the Harbours Act 1964.

The harbour empowerment order authorises the creation of a harbour made up of a jetty and some terrestrial works and a harbour authority with powers to operate the jetty and surrounding area. Other licences relate to the construction of the jetty and for the dredging of material from a berthing pocket alongside the jetty.

EDF Energy said it welcomed the decision by the MMO and the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change. The 500m-long jetty will be used during the construction of Hinkley Point C, should consent for the main development be granted. In the event that permission is not given to build a new power station, the jetty development would be removed and the area restored to its previous condition.

The temporary jetty will allow significant volumes of construction materials to be delivered by sea, as part of EDF Energy’s transport strategy of minimising traffic on local roads. One sea vessel alone will avoid up to 250 heavy goods vehicles using the local road network.

EDF Energy will start construction on the jetty at the earliest opportunity and will now work towards clearing various conditions attached to the order, appointing a contractor and undertaking on-shore and off-shore investigatory work this year to further its understanding of prevailing ground and sea bed conditions. The jetty is expected to take about 15 months to build.

The applications for the temporary jetty were submitted in December 2010 and, following consultation, a public inquiry was held in Somerset in November 2011.

The July decision by the MMO and Secretary of State covers a Harbour Empowerment Order, a determination from the Secretary of State to acquire certain land interests under a Transport and Works Act Order, and marine licence consents.