Councillors are pushing towards the halting of negotiations surrounding the disposal of nuclear waste near Lincolnshire’s coastline. Specifically, a location in close proximity to Louth, East Lindsey was identified by government entity, Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), as a potential venue for a Geological Disposal Facility (GDF). Lincolnshire County Council’s overview and scrutiny management board have guided the council’s executive to withdraw from these discussions during a recent gathering. The definitive verdict is set to be announced in an executive meeting planned for June 3.
The leader of the Conservative opposition, Councillor Richard Davies, proposed that an immediate pullout from the community partnership could aid in resolving the enduring uncertainty that is currently impacting local residents. He highlighted that the absence of tangible data over a five-year period has left the community feeling on edge. At first, the attention was centred on a former gas terminal in Theddlethorpe, although NWS moved the proposed location to land between Gayton le Marsh and Great Carlton. Councillor Lindsey Cawrey commented that the sentiments of the community were unequivocal and that the proposal had significantly developed from its initial vision. David Fannin, the chairperson of the community partnership, iterated the council and community’s strong opinions have been heard and it was vital to respect these views.
Simon Hughes, NWS’s siting and communities director, pointed out that “The entire GDF siting process is founded on community consent and there is an absolute mandate for any potential host community to have given its consent prior to any development receiving approval.” He confirmed that whilst dialogues can persist without obligation, NWS will respect the council’s forthcoming decision on June 3. The GDF would entail the storage of nuclear waste beneath rock up to 1,000m (3,300ft) deep until it naturally decomposes. Lincolnshire was one of three regions NWS shortlisted which also included Mid Copeland and South Copeland both located in Cumbria.
