RESIDENTS can get their first look at new nuclear power station plans which could bring up to 9,000 jobs to the area.

Proposals for Bradwell B were unveiled today as the first stage of consultation gets under way.

The consultation will run for 12 weeks until May 27, with exhibitions taking place at 15 venues across Essex.

The Bradwell B team will be available to answer questions, while details of the proposals - including workers’ accommodation, transport routes during construction and sea defences - can be viewed online.

Bradwell B CEO Alan Raymant said: “Consulting with you all over the next few years is a crucial part of developing our project plans and I really want to encourage everyone in the community to get involved.

“This is a large construction project that will result in a power station operating for more than 60 years – working together with the community we need to carefully consider how we manage any impacts and deliver the benefits in terms of jobs and skills as well as a big contribution to the Government’s carbon net zero ambitions.”

The project boasts it will create 900 permanent jobs as well as 9,000 jobs during the busiest construction period, of which 3,000 would go to residents.

Mr Raymant added: “I am also delighted that we will be creating at least 1,200 apprenticeships at Bradwell B.

“Around 3,000 jobs during peak construction will be filled by local people and so we need to make sure people are ready to take advantage of that opportunity.

“Delivering skills and education opportunities that work for Essex is therefore a huge part of what we need to do to build Bradwell B.”

The proposals for Bradwell B will be developed over several years before the project submits an application to the UK Planning Inspectorate.

The final decision whether to grant permission will be taken by the Secretary of State.

A group campaigning against Bradwell B is urging residents to attend the EDF energy and Chinese General Nuclear stage one consultation events and make their views known.

Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group (BANNG) has been campaigning against the power station plan.

A spokesman said: “Any support will be gratefully welcome, ranging from just turning up to spending the whole time at a venue demonstrating your concern.”

The first consultation takes place tomorrow at Steeple Village Hall from 2pm until 8pm.

To see the other consultation dates, visit banng.info.

Visit bradwellb.co.uk.