DISTRICT leaders will meet with Chinese developers behind plans for a new power station at Bradwell.

In January, it was announced the Government had asked nuclear regulators to begin the process of approving a Chinese-designed reactor for a new power plant.

EDF Energy signed a deal with China General Nuclear Power Corporation for Bradwell B, a greenfield site next to the former station.

A power station at the Bradwell B site remains a “long term goal” for Maldon District Council according to the new leader of the council.

As yet no date for work to start or a timeline for the project has been revealed.

Mark Durham gave his first leader’s speech at a meeting of the full council last Thursday, and focused on a range of issues including Bradwell B.

He spoke about the council’s commitment to Bradwell B and the benefits the site would bring to the district as a whole.

Maldon District Council and Essex County Council are proposing forming a Joint Bradwell Member Board so they can work together on items of ‘mutual interest’ within the bid.

A paper, which went before Maldon District Council last Thursday, outlined plans to set up the board and seven point vision.

The information, which forms a planning performance agreement, sets out how the new power station would have ‘an engaged community approach’.

Mr Durham said: “During this year we will agree a vision for, and develop a planning performance agreement to maximise the benefits arising from the development of a new nuclear power station at Bradwell.

“The opportunity for a new power station remains a long term goal for our council. I have seen at first hand the construction site at Hinkley Point and the very significant local community benefit projects that have been derived from this development.

“We are in the process of meeting our Chinese partners, who will be the majority shareholders of Bradwell B to discuss opportunities.

“We must be proactive in engaging with the Chinese to ensure that we can secure as many benefits as possible for the area, as soon as possible.”

The new leader of the council also spoke about Bradwell B as a chance to put Maldon on the map and provide chances for twinning opportunities and business partnerships with fellow power station towns.

Mr Durham added: “Plans are progressing to host a new Local Government Authority Special Interest Group meeting which would be held in Maldon next March.

“This would further reinforce our national visibility as all authorities with nuclear facilities would be represented.

“There is even talk about a twinning opportunity with a coastal town in China that has a similar power station.”