Extra parking spaces for Hinkley Point C workers will be made available near a Somerset rugby club to make it easier for employees of the power station travelling to work.
The workforce at the EDF-owned plant is anticipated to reach its peak in the next 18 months, with an estimated 15,000 individuals working on the construction between 2026 and 2028.
To avoid overwhelming Bridgwater's road network with this increased traffic, NNB Generation Company (HPC) Ltd submitted an application in late-March to provide extra car parking spaces near Bridgwater and Albion Rugby Football Club, located in College Way, which is within walking distance of one of the Hinkley park and ride facilities.
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Somerset Council's planning committee north, responsible for major applications within the former Sedgemoor area, unanimously supported the plans when it convened in Bridgwater last week.
The proposal will result in an additional 120 car parking spaces and 16 motorcycle spaces being constructed to the west of the rugby ground, increasing the total number of spaces to 312.
Under an agreement with the rugby club, a total of 164 car parking spaces and all 16 new motorcycle spaces within the site would be allocated for use by Hinkley Point C workers for a period of up to five years.
This arrangement implies that players or spectators attending matches, or those wishing to visit the nearby McMillan Theatre, would have 44 spaces available on any given occasion.
Employees assigned to these parking spaces will be expected to walk to the Hinkley Point C Sedgemoor campus, a five-minute stroll away along the A39 Bath Road, and use one of the frequent park and ride services to the power station site.
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Rugby club chairman Steven Smith said: "We are a much-loved sports club within this town – this coming season is going to be our 150th year. We are one of the oldest rugby clubs in the country.
"The club is run by volunteers, and our volunteers are constantly battling with increasing costs and legislation.
"These proposals would provide the club with much-needed income for a reasonable period of time.
"It would also be a legacy benefit, enhancing the rear and side of the clubhouse, which is the epitome of what Hinkley Point C should be, as far as we're concerned."
Councillor Hilary Bruce (Labour, Bridgwater North and Central) added: "If we were looking at putting in a new park and ride so close to the centre of town, I think it would be a 'no' for me in this location.
"I can see the benefits in terms of the legacy for the club, which would make me want to support it.
"I am still concerned about ensuring that the workers who will use this parking come from the eastern side of the town.
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"Hinkley say they can ensure that with the permit system, but there's a difference between being able to do something and actually doing it.
"There is a review ongoing in terms of the night shift. What guarantees have we got that there won't be any overlap with the college and the football club in terms of the peak times when these workers are coming and going?".
Planning officer Tess Bond noted in her written report that any alterations to the night shift schedule would not impact traffic during rush hours.
Councillor Brian Smedley (Labour, Bridgwater South) said: "You can hardly guarantee which way they [the workforce] will be coming from with the roadworks.
"That part of town is a bit difficult because of the two pinch points over the railway line. I'd like to support this because it's an opportunity to support the sports clubs in this area."
The committee unanimously agreed to grant permission following approximately half an hour's discussion.