Residents should have final say on nuclear waste site near Louth - council leader

Lincolnshire County Council maintains that local residents should choose whether or not a nuclear waste site should be built.

In January, Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) identified four square kilometres of land between Gayton le Marsh and Great Carlton as a possible location for its Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).

However, the agricultural land is vastly different from the brownfield former gas terminal site previously considered.

This has led East Lindsey District Council to look at withdrawing from the process, with leader Craig Leyland (Con) promising to recommend the council do so at the next appropriate meeting of the Executive.

"We feel we cannot be involved in the process," he said.

LCC, however, remains in the process but had previously committed to a test of public support—used to determine a final view from a community—by 2027.

Although he shares some concerns with his counterparts at East Lindsey District Council, Coun Martin Hill (Conservative), leader of LCC, still believes residents should be given this opportunity.

He said: “The change of area of focus from the former gas terminal in Theddlethorpe to a rural area between Gayton le Marsh and Great Carlton represents a significant shift in the nature of these GDF proposals, and we share some of East Lindsey District Council's concerns about this new location.

“Unlike other Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects – like pylons and large-scale solar farms – residents will choose whether this GDF goes ahead through a test of public support.

"We’re clear that residents should be given that opportunity as soon as possible.

"To make an informed choice, people need access to all the relevant information about the proposals, and through the Community Partnership we need to make sure all the information about this new location is forthcoming.

“I await to hear feedback from NWS’ latest round of community consultation, and then the council will consider its options.”

According to NWS, over the last three years, more than £10 million has been awarded to over 260 initiatives across Cumbria—where the two other areas of focus are located—and Lincolnshire.

These range from youth schemes, mental health initiatives, and mountain rescue.

Responding to the news of East Lindsey District Council looking to withdraw from the GDF siting process, Simon Hughes, NWS Siting and Communities Director, stated:

“NWS extends its gratitude to East Lindsey District Council (ELDC) and Coun Craig Leyland, leader of the Council, for their engagement and commitment throughout the Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) siting process.

“Their willingness to explore the potential for a GDF in the search area, alongside other members of the Community Partnership, has been invaluable in ensuring an open and informed discussion about the future for long term disposal of radioactive waste. Their participation has played a key role in facilitating public dialogue and providing people in the search area with opportunities to learn more about the process, its implications, and potential benefits.

“NWS appreciates the time, effort, and dedication that ELDC has contributed to this nationally important infrastructure project.

"We recognise the ELDC’s commitment to representing all their communities’ voices and engaging in constructive conversations about the GDF siting process. And we understand their decision to withdraw from the process.

“For a Community Partnership to meet the UK Government’s policy, at least one relevant Principal Local Authority must be a member.

"We remain fully committed to working with Lincolnshire County Council as the remaining relevant principal local authority in the Community Partnership as we continue the search for a suitable site for a GDF.”