THE company proposing the Hinkley C nuclear power plant should be pressured to contribute towards improved infrastructure and leisure facilities in the Taunton area, it was suggested this week.

Taunton Deane Council supports EDF Energy’s plans but is concerned about transport, employment and accommodation issues.

The authority has reservations about the impact during construction on Junctions 25 and 26 of the M5, the A358 and A38 Taunton and Bridgwater corridor and roads across the Quantocks.

There are also fears construction workers will push up rents and concerns about the lack of job opportunities for locals.

Cllr Mark Edwards (Conservative), planning policy portfolio holder, said: “We need to reflect carefully on the impact on Taunton Deane of such a major building project.

“We’ve, therefore, made sure the concerns are heard and hope these issues will be given the appropriate weight and are mitigated through the planning process.”

Cllr Simon Coles (LibDem) welcomes the economic benefits the development would stimulate, but warns it could result in need for extra support for schools, hospitals and traffic movements.

He added: “The Conservatives should be pushing to seek a large sum to meet these infrastructure costs from EDF – a contribution towards a new swimming pool would be welcome and for other leisure pursuits.

“Unless the council is proactive, we’ll yet again miss the opportunity to improve the quality of life for our citizens, while the poorest on the housing waiting list suffer even more in terms of inequality.”

An EDF Energy spokesman said: “Hinkley Point C is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the people of Somerset.

“It will deliver jobs, investment, contracts and new training opportunities.

“Considerable effort has gone into mitigating the impact of our proposals, following extensive consultation – this is reflected in our detailed application which is being examined by the Planning Inspectorate.

“We remain confident about the merits of our application and that the Planning Inspectorate will take all relevant factors into account."