Energy giant buys land in Kirksanton for new nuke power station
Last updated at 13:24, Thursday, 23 July 2009
AN energy giant is today a step closer to turning its plans for a nuclear power station into reality.
RWE npower has now got its hands on the land at Layriggs, Kirksanton, which it needs to build the proposed facility.
Nearby homeowners are now being sent letters informing them of the transaction.
RWE npower has also bought land at Braystones, near Egremont.
Head of nuclear development for RWE npower Alison Chappell said: “We have now bought the land at Kirksanton and Braystones.
“This doesn’t mean we’ve reached any decisions yet about development, but it keeps our options open while we continue to evaluate the sites and while the government’s site assessment process continues.”
RWE npower refused to reveal how much the land had been sold for.
When news of the proposed power plant’s location was revealed in March, a public consultation was launched.
At the end of the consultation, in which the plans received mixed views from the public, the information was sent to the government for a decision to be made.
The government is now in the middle of discussions to decide whether the site is appropriate.
Its decision will be revealed at the end of next month.
If the government decides the Kirksanton site is appropriate, a second public consultation will be launched to canvas opinion.
Millom Without Parish Council has publicly objected to the plans.
Chairman of the council, Councillor Wilson Huck, said: “It is certainly a step closer, which is disappointing. I don’t think it is fully conclusive.
“The more we think about it and talk to other people, the more it appears to be a very unsuitable place for it.”
Robin Pitt, a Copeland borough councillor and chairman of the Millom and Haverigg Economic Development Group, has backed the plans.
He said: “As far as I am concerned it is a step forward, it is not a huge step forward but it means they are treating it seriously.
“I am not just in favour, I am massively in favour.
“I think it is the saviour of Millom.
“It means businesses will prosper, it will mean retailers will prosper and people who are out of work and, most importantly young people, will have an opportunity for a good wage and a good apprenticeship.”
Millom Town Council is in favour of nuclear power in the area but wants a full public consultation.
Deputy mayor of the town council, Councillor Doug Wilson, said: “Millom Town Council is generally in favour of nuclear power providing there are safeguards and full consultation with those living with in the immediate area.”
First published at 13:10, Thursday, 23 July 2009
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk
Where are the letters that RWE are supposed to be sending to local residents? So far 3 emails have been counted! As usual communication with the local community is abysmal.
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I refer to the letters that RWEnpower to to send out to local residents in Kirksanton about the buying up of land nearby - I am sure that most of the residents have not received these letters yet and it is now OCTOBER!! It seems communication from them has been lost - or do they think that all the residents have disappeared and do not care - SORRY BUT THEY DO - come on give the residents some information, is that not TOO much to ask?
Posted by TWINKLE on 13 October 2009 at 10:41