East Lindsey Council withdraws from nuclear waste site plans

The East Lindsey District Council has announced its intention to withdraw from a partnership with Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) regarding the proposed Geological Disposal Facility (GDF) for hazardous nuclear waste. This decision follows NWS's recent shift in the proposed location for the site from a former gas terminal in Theddlethorpe to agricultural land between Gayton le Marsh and Great Carlton, which council leader Craig Leyland argues would damage valuable farmland near the Lincolnshire Wolds. Leyland expressed concerns that the new site lacks previous industrial use and the consultation process has caused distress among residents, failing to provide adequate information. Despite the council's withdrawal, NWS stated it will continue discussions with Lincolnshire County Council, emphasizing the importance of community consent for the GDF project to advance. Leyland indicated that the council’s initial involvement was based on the suitability of the brownfield site, which is now in question due to the new proposal. The GDF project has broader implications as the East Midlands develops as a significant center for nuclear power, with potential new nuclear facilities under consideration in the region.