ENVIRONMENTAL campaigners in Somerset are celebrating after plans to create new saltmarshes to offset Hinkley Point C power station were scrapped.

EDF Energy held a public consultation in January and February over its proposals for new saltmarshes on the Pawlett Hams, which lie on the right bank of the River Parrett near the villages of Combwich and Pawlett.

The plans envisioned more than 800 acres of saltmarsh being created as part of the wider mitigation for the new power station, which is currently under construction.

EDF argued that the new marshes would provide safe habitats for fish and animals, improve water quality and reduce the risk of localised flooding – complementing the creation of the Bridgwater tidal barrier immediately upstream.

But following a substantial local backlash, the energy giant has U-turned and promised that any saltmarshes created to offset the power station will be created outside of the Somerset Council area.

EDF released a statement confirming the change of heart on Monday, September 9, stating that it would be seeing alternative locations “within the wider Severn estuary” before any formal planning application is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate ahead of a public inquiry, which is currently expected to be held in the autumn of 2025.

The company has confirmed that none of the other sites being considered as “within the Somerset Council boundary” and that further rounds of public consultation will take place in the chosen locations.

In addition, the company will be looking to upgrade an existing weir on the River Wye at Osbaston near Monmouth, in order to support migrating fish like salmon and shad in their journeys upstream.

Hinkley Point C is the first power station in the area to have any fish protection measures in place – including a fish recovery and return system and low velocity water intakes.

Andrew Cockcroft, head of stakeholder relations at Hinkley Point C, said: “We have listened carefully to concerns and suggestions made during our consultation and are now exploring changes to our proposals.

“Hinkley Point C is one of Britain’s biggest acts in the fight against climate change and its operation will provide significant benefits for the environment.”

EDF’s change of heart has been warmly welcomed by the Pawlett Hams Action Group, which was set up earlier this year.

The group organised a petition against the plans and organised numerous walks, nature surveys and a photography competition in a bid to safeguard the numerous species already living on the Hams

Group coordinator Judith Ballard said: “We began this fight in January thinking it would be an impossible battle.

“But local people have come together to demonstrate their love for this area of land, and its importance for the environmental balance of the region.

“It is also brilliant news for local farmers who graze their cows there, and the history and heritage of the area which dates back to Roman times will now be preserved.

“Thankfully EDF have listened, and we are so happy that have agreed to reverse their plans.”