Changes to the Hinkley Point C project

Amendments to the Development Consent Order

The evidence, plans and proposals underpinning the Development Consent Order date back, in some cases, to 2010. As the project has developed, changes to the original Development Consent Order and associated processes, have been necessary. Please note that the documents on this page may not comply with WCAG 2.1 AA standards.

Changes to the Development Consent Order are deemed to be either ‘material’ or ‘non-material’ amendments. There is no statutory definition to determine what constitutes a ‘material’ or ‘non-material’ amendment. Non-material amendments are considered to be minor amendments that do not deviate significantly from the Development Consent Order.

In contrast, a material amendment would necessitate a major deviation from the terms of the Development Consent Order. Whenever an amendment to the Development Consent Order is sought, the applicant must apply to the National Infrastructure Planning Commission and a period of consultation must follow before a decision is made by the Secretary of State.

Proposed material amendment

Between 2 April and 4 June 2019, EDF Energy carried out a consultation on a proposal to make a material change to the Development Consent Order by removing the requirement to install an acoustic fish deterrent at HPC. The acoustic fish deterrent is one of a range of measures set out in the Development Consent Order to deter fish from approaching the water intake system. Further details can be found at EDF Energy – fish protection measures.

Non-material amendments

EDF has been granted approval for 3 non-material amendments to the Development Consent Order to date:

Main site changes – granted September 2015

Changes to the number and location of service buildings which would not increase the height of the tallest structures or increase the overall footprint. More information is available on the National Infrastructure Planning Non-material amendment 1 page.

Accommodation Campus provision – granted August 2017

4 additional accommodation buildings (136 additional bed spaces) at the Sedgemoor Accommodation Campus, Bath Road, Bridgwater, with 66 additional car parking spaces and motorcycle and bicycle spaces.
The removal of Bridgwater C Accommodation Campus, College Way, Bridgwater from the scope of the project.
Provision of photovoltaic cells at the Sedgemoor Campus site.
Alterations to changing rooms next to the sports pitches at the Sedgemoor Campus site. More information is available on the National Infrastructure Planning Non-material amendment 2 page.

Main site changes – granted March 2018

Redesign of a number of site buildings.
Additional pipework along the underside of the temporary jetty.
Alteration of the alignment of the sea wall to avoid an existing dry dock.

As part of their application, EDF requested permission to increase the size of the equipment store and the interim spent fuel store. However, this was denied by the Secretary of State on the grounds that the visual impact of these buildings would have an effect on local people and businesses. More information is available on the National Infrastructure Planning Non-material amendment 3 page.