A LETTER has been sent to Horizon Nuclear Power asking them to consider the possible side-effects their Wylfa Newydd development could have on Gwynedd.

Councillor Dafydd Meurig, Gwynedd Council's Cabinet Member for the Environment, has written to ask if more consideration for the county could be incorporated into Horizon's final plans.

In his letter, he expressed disappointment and claimed that the company had not amended their proposals following the Council’s submissions to previous consultations.

However, he also acknowledged the fact that the proposed development of Wylfa Newydd is extremely significant for the whole of the north west Wales area.

“There is no doubt that the proposed development of Wylfa Newydd on Ynys Môn offers opportunities for the local economy, including here in Gwynedd." he said.

"However, it is also bound to create challenges for us as a county in terms of issues like transport and the Welsh language.

“As a Council, we are concerned that a large number of Horizon's plans have been based on specific assumptions."

Cllr. Meurig added that Gwynedd Council are eager to see Horizon address lessons currently being learned from the Hinkley Point nuclear power station development in Somerset.

"There, unforeseen side effects are being experienced". Cllr Meurig continued.

"It should be pointed out that around 5,600 workers are the most expected at Hinkley Point, compared with up to 9,000 workers during the Wylfa Newydd construction phase.

“Gwynedd Council therefore calls on Horizon Nuclear Power to give far more consideration to what could occur if the company's assumptions are not realised."

Cllr. Meurig also pointed out that there would be no guarantee that every member of the workforce involved in the construction of Wylfa Newydd will choose to live on the site earmarked for them by Horizon.

He added that he believed that there could be a very significant impact on the wider area if high numbers of the workforce decided to live in communities in Gwynedd.

“We urge Horizon to prepare more detailed plans that will give appropriate consideration to the likelihood that a high number of the 9,000 staff will choose to live in Gwynedd." he continued.

“A number of the construction staff would travel daily to the power station site and this would be bound to have a significant impact on transport in the area during the construction period.

"As a Council, we recognise that there will be unavoidable negative side effects, but it is therefore vitally important that every effort is made by all relevant bodies to respond proactively to the situation at hand.

"We hope that Horizon will give the concerns highlighted by the Council early and full consideration, and we would be very eager to discuss these issues as soon as possible so that we consider the best way forward."

Horizon Nuclear Power is expected to submit its application for a Development Consent Order for the Wylfa Newydd proposal to the UK Government in March, with a decision to follow in the summer of 2019.