CLA South West EDF Severn Estuary environmental mitigation project update
CLA supports members affected by EDF mitigation project on the Severn Estuary
The CLA is aware of investigations by EDF Energy into the possible use of compulsory purchase powers on four sites on the Severn Estuary.
The sites are at Kingston Seymour in Somerset, and Littleton Upon Severn, Rodley and Arlingham in Gloucestershire.
EDF is considering these sites to provide a potential environmental mitigation to Hinkley Point Power Station’s impacts on fish stocks. This follows a decision by EDF that part of its previous mitigation proposal, an acoustic deterrent system, would be ineffective and dangerous to the divers that EDF says would be required to maintain it.
The environmental mitigation in question is the creation of saltmarsh habitat, which would involve the deliberate flooding of substantial areas of land. EDF say they must create a total of 340 hectares of saltmarsh to provide this mitigation, which could be on one single site or across several. As EDF have yet to reach a decision on where this mitigation might be delivered, we cannot be certain how many farms would be affected, but we are actively reaching out to members in and around the sites.
The most recent proposals follow an unsuccessful attempt by EDF to implement a similar proposal at a site at Pawlett Hams, during which the CLA advised the Pawlett Hams Moors Association about the site’s constraints and the compulsory purchase process.
CLA support
The CLA is aware that our members may be affected by this and is currently contacting those at risk. South West Regional Surveyor Mark Burton attended public meetings at Kingston Seymour Village Hall on 14 October and Littleton Village Hall on 17 October in which he offered to work with EDF to find a consensual solution which did not require the use of compulsory purchase powers.
EDF has offered to meet the CLA team to further discuss the situation. This meeting is currently being arranged.
These investigations are currently at an early stage and thus not subject to public consultation. We will ensure members are notified if such a consultation should begin.
Please get in touch
If members have any queries, think they might be impacted, or would like to direct any neighbours that might be impacted to the CLA, please call Mark Burton on 01249 599059 or click here to send an email.