Housing plans for Hinkley Point C workers scrapped

1 day ago

Clara Bullockand

Dan Ayers,Somerset

There are 14,000 workers building the nuclear plant in Somerset

PA Media Hinkley Point C at night. It is a sprawling construction site, lit up with many lights. Dozens of cranes surround many buildings. — There are 14,000 workers building the nuclear plant in Somerset

Plans to build a campus to house 1,000 Hinkley Point C workers have been scrapped.

The proposals for temporary accommodation next to the M5 near Huntworth in Somerset are not going ahead because there are fewer workers than anticipated, said EDF, the energy firm behind the project.

The plans were developed to ease pressure on the local housing market. Residents in the area say the workers are increasing traffic and house prices.

A spokesperson for Hinkley Point C said the supply of housing would be boosted with extra support to an existing accommodation fund.

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The proposals for the campus included modular accommodation blocks and a restaurant, bar, gym and shop.

Lorraine Hayes, who lives nearby, said: "We should have zero unemployment but there's an awful lot [of workers] coming in from outside.

"At peak times, it's gridlocked. One night we were driving and I counted 25 coaches, that's what bugs me."

According to EDF, the peak number of workers at the site will be 14,000 – lower than earlier projections of 15,000 – meaning the campus is no longer required.

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