FOUR out of five local people support plans for Hinkley C, according to a new poll.

EDF Energy, which is behind plans for two new reactors at Hinkley Point, said the independent research carried out by ICM1, also found that 85% of people living within 25 miles of Hinkley Point believed the plant would be important for the local jobs market, while 63% considered it important for the future of local businesses.

Only 17% of the 1,002 people who responded to the survey were opposed to a new nuclear power station, according to EDF.

Rupert Cox, chief executive of Somerset Chamber of Commerce, said: “The results of the poll demonstrate the strength of feeling that Hinkley Point C is vital to local jobs and businesses, and will have a major economic benefit for the community.”

As reported in the Mercury, however, local authorities including Sedgemoor District Council have raised concerns about EDF's phase two consultation on its plans for Hinkley C.

The councils have written to EDF with a joint response, highlighting “serious concerns” about developments associated with Hinkley C, and they call for further public consultation.

EDF said it would be reviewing the 2,600 responses to its consultations as a formal planning application is developed.

Richard Mayson, EDF Energy's director of planning, said: “We will now review very carefully all the comments we have received on our plans. We already made a number of changes to our proposals following the first stage of our consultation and we remain committed to keeping this dialogue open.”