Massive nuclear development planned for Snowdonia

9th July 2001

A long threatened planning application for a massive nuclear storage facility in the Snowdonia National Park has just been lodged, sparking further calls for a Public Inquiry into the future of the Trawsfynydd site.

Similar plans for decommissioning the nuclear power station were brought forward in 1998, but following objections, Magnox Electric went away to think again.

The power station was built in the 1950s and generated power for only 28 years before closing in 1993. The revised plans involve leaving the radioactive core of the nuclear reactor on site for the next 100 years.

"This issue is of national importance for both Wales and England because of its location in the Snowdonia National Park and the huge scale of activity that would follow from the proposals", said Sylvia Davies of the watchdog body, the Council for National Parks (CNP). "The work would also act as a precedent for future nuclear power stations to be taken out of service and be used to store nuclear waste."

The announcement comes at a time when the Government is considering how our future energy needs will be met.

"Trawsfynydd shows the damaging legacy of nuclear power", said Sylvia Davies. "These plans must now be subject to rigorous examination at a Public Inquiry, including all the alternatives for decommissioning."

Notes to editors

1.  CNP is the national charity that works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales and areas that merit National Park status, and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.
2.  Trawsfynydd is now owned by BNFL.
3.  The planning application has been lodged with the Snowdonia National Park Authority, which is the planning authority for the development.

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