A CAMPAIGN group say rising sea levels mean a new nuclear power station at Bradwell should not go ahead.

Prof Andy Blowers OBE, chair of the Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group (Banng), has warned climate change could leave sea levels rising so high it could result in flooding across areas around the River Blackwater.

He believes the proposed Bradwell B power station could fall victim to a catastrophic flood like the one which devastated the east coast took place for the first time in 1953.

He said: “As climate change begins to take hold of imagination and reality, there is, once again, the prospect of coastal calamity from rising seas, storm surges and flooding of the low-lying lands around the Blackwater.

“Sea defences have been strengthened, weather forecasting, warning systems and emergency plans have immensely improved.

“But, in our modern era of climate emergency, this fragile coast will prove increasingly difficult to defend against the prospect of sea-level change and increasing frequency and magnitude of storm surges and flooding.”

The development of the new power station is being led by EDF Energy and China General Nuclear Power Corporation (CGN).

A spokesman for the Bradwell B development said the Government had designated the site as “potentially suitable for new nuclear in build” in 2011, with the risk of flooding and coastal change being a major factor in its decision.

EDF Energy has also confirmed flood risks and sea levels will be regularly scrutinised once the power station is up and running to avoid any potential “catastrophe”.

A spokesman said: “Whilst Bradwell B is at an early stage of pre-planning, preliminary marine studies have indicated that the site can be designed to withstand the effects of climate change throughout its lifetime without affecting coastal processes or increasing flood risk elsewhere.”

“Detailed engineering and environmental studies, including extremes analysis, are programmed to be carried out over the next few years and Bradwell B will work closely with the regulators, including the Office for Nuclear Regulation and Environment Agency as the studies progress.

The spokesman added: “Once a power station enters operation, there will be ongoing coastal and climate change monitoring throughout its lifetime with provision made for adaptation if necessary.”