A NUCLEAR power station in Bradwell is a step closer after permission was given for groundwork investigations by a council.

Maldon District Council voted unanimously to allow CGN and EDF to carry out the work at the Bradwell site.

The work will include digging sampling holes and carry out soil testing.

The site, the size of six football pitches, will be fenced off throughout the work, which will be carried out between 7am and 8pm on weekdays and every other weekend.

Dr Stephen Mannings spoke at the meeting on Thursday on behalf of the applicant.

He said: “The site was identified as being potentially suitable for new nuclear in 2009. The groundwork would take up to a year to finish.

“We are looking forward to working with the council. I hope it is clear that we have considered what impacts this could have.”

Speaking against the proposal, Judith Lea, of the Maldon Society, said: “It is outside the development boundary and although it is underplayed in the report, the background documents prove the land is potentially vulnerable to metres deep flooding.

“You don’t need boreholes and rigs to tell you the site is unsuitable. Further investigation is a waste of money.”

Councillor Mark Durham added: “This is a very straightforward application.

“Whatever your personal attitudes towards nuclear are it is totally irrelevant. This is about simple surveys.

“If the findings show it not to be suitable it will not go any further. There are no material planning reasons that I can see to legitimately refuse it.”

There is no firm timetable for the Bradwell B proposals, as the project is at such an early stage, but residents will be kept updated and consulted as plans develop.

Information can be found by calling the Bradwell B project team information line on 01621 451 451 or emailing info@bradwellb.co.uk. The project website will also be kept updated www.bradwellb.co.uk