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Empty underground tunnels at Dungeness A to be filled in as part of decommissioning process

05:00, 15 October 2021

updated: 10:09, 15 October 2021

Redundant underground tunnels at the Dungeness A power station on Romney Marsh could be filled in.

Planning permission is being sought to in-fill four steam tunnels, two steam pits, four cooling water culverts and two cable tunnels at the former power plant.

One of the tunnels planned to be filled at Dungeness A. Photo from planning application
One of the tunnels planned to be filled at Dungeness A. Photo from planning application

The plans also include the installation of a temporary road and turning area for delivering lorries to facilitate the proposals.

The application has been submitted to Folkestone and Hythe District Council by Magnox, which operates the site on behalf of the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority.

Dungeness A generated electricity from 1966 to 2006 when it was shut down.

The site is currently being decommissioned, with the first phase - defueling - being completed in 2012.

Decommissioning involves the systematic removal and management of plant, buildings and waste previously associated with electricity generation. It is a lengthy process.

Inside Dungeness A Power station in 2006
Inside Dungeness A Power station in 2006

Earlier this year, EFD announced they would start the defueling process at neighbouring site, Dungeness B, seven years earlier than expected.

The tunnels at Dungeness A which need to be filled were previously used for the routing of cabling and steam pipework and to supply cooling water to the condensers in the now demolished Turbine Hall.

Planning documents state: "The proposals constitute necessary engineering operations which need to be undertaken to facilitate the continued decommissioning of Dungeness A.

"As part of the decommissioning process, minor planning applications are required to allow the site to reach its Interim End State.

"The proposed in-filling and associated works largely relate to underground structures and will not be detrimental to the visual amenity of the area.

Another area which will be filled in. Photo from planning application
Another area which will be filled in. Photo from planning application

"The structures are also well within the confines of the NLS, so will not cause demonstrable harm to residential amenity.

"Overall, the proposals are in accordance with the development plan and are acceptable in planning terms."

There are no comments on the application from neighbours, and neither the Environment Agency or Natural England object to the plans.

A decision is expected within the coming weeks.

To read about the history of nuclear power on Romney Marsh, click here

To see more public notices, click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Romney Marsh

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