AN ACTION group opposed to the development of a new nuclear site in Bradwell has met with the project managers.

Bradwell Against Nuclear Nuclear Group (BANNG) held a longawaited meeting with EDF and CGN, which are developing plans for a new power station, dubbed Bradwell B, in the village.

It was the first opportunity for the Chinese company and BANNG to exchange their views.

BANNG’s delegation of Andy Blowers, chair; Peter Banks, communications; and Varrie Blowers, secretary, argued a cautious approach was understandable since the project faced “formidable” obstacles.

A spokesman for the group said: “We left the meeting feeling that CGN were struggling with the problems of proving the site could be viable and meeting the regulatory challenge.

"It is possible that Bradwell B will fall at the first hurdles. One of these, the Generic Site Assessment (GDA) is under way and the company must satisfy the robust safety, security and environmental standards of the British regulators.

"Given that the reactor design is not operational yet anywhere, meeting the criteria will be a very tall order.

"Another hurdle is the site itself, on flat, floodable land at the end of the Dengie peninsula. CGN is now prospecting the site to test its suitability for a massive power station, including long-term, on-site spent fuel stores and other infrastructures.

"Somehow the developer has to demonstrate beyond doubt that the project is viable and can remain safe and secure on a site that is likely to be overwhelmed by the consequences of climate change."