Introduction

EDF Energy have provided funding to support community led initiatives and have enabled a level of public access to the sports pitches at their Accommodation Campuses.

Members of the public are welcome to comment on applications made by EDF Energy to discharge requirements and Parish and Town Councils are represented on Forums organised by EDF Energy.

Funding available

Funding has been made available by EDF Energy to support a number of community led projects:

• £12.8 million has been provided for a Community Fund which has the purpose of mitigating the intangible and residual impacts of the Project on the communities in the Area of Benefit. It is used to fund schemes, measures and projects which promote the economic, social or environmental well-being of those communities and to enhance their quality of life. The Fund was launched in November 2017 and the first grants were awarded in 2018. Information on how to apply and details of projects already funded can be found at the Somerset Community Foundation website.
• £500,000 has been made available for the purposes of providing new sports and leisure facilities or to improve existing facilities.
• Grants of up to £20,000 are available under the Greater Quantock Landscape Development Fund to support local communities and individuals to help restore and enhance the natural beauty of the area. The Fund is administered by the Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
• EDF are rolling out a Transport Noise Insulation Scheme for homes along the A38 and A39 corridors, from Junctions 23 and 24 of the M5 to Cannington. The scheme is being provided to help counteract potential noise impacts from construction traffic associated with Hinkley Point C. EDF will be contacting residents with details of the scheme as it approaches their area.

A Community Impact Mitigation Fund is responsible for dispensing £7.2 million to enable local communities to promote the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of their area. However, this fund is now closed to new applications.

Access to sports and leisure facilities at Hinkley and Sedgemoor Campuses

Members of the public are able to hire the outdoor sports pitches at the Hinkley Campus (close to the main site) and the Sedgemoor Campus (Bath Road, Bridgwater). Details of availability and rates can be found at HOST- Gym and Pitches.

Forums

EDF run several forums which meet regularly and are open to members of local parish and town councils to attend

• Community Forum – key issues affecting the community are examined
• Transport Forum - issues relating to the Hinkley Point C Transport Strategy are discussed
• Main Site Forum – issues that relate to residents living close to the main site are explored

Further details, including minutes of the forums, are available from EDF Energy.

Commenting on applications to discharge requirements

EDF Energy must fulfil certain conditions, known as ‘requirements’, before they can implement various actions within the Development Consent Order. Applications to discharge requirements are made by EDF Energy to the relevant local planning authority. Applications for which the Council is the relevant local planning authority or where the Council has been consulted by the relevant local planning authority can be viewed on Planning Online. Members of the public are welcome to comment during the consultation period.

Enquiries and complaints

EDF Energy can be contacted by phone on 0333 009 7070 or by completing an online form.

EDF are responsible for dealing with complaints associated with the project. However, the Council will investigate complaints that may represent a statutory nuisance.