Lincolnshire County Council is considering withdrawing from consultations on a proposed nuclear waste disposal facility near Louth, a move that could effectively end plans for the site. The proposal identified land between Gayton le Marsh and Great Carlton as a potential location, was one of three sites under review by Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), alongside two locations in Cumbria.
Public opposition has been strong, leading East Lindsey District Council to exit the consultation process earlier this year. Concerns were raised that the site differed significantly from a previously considered location at Theddlethorpe, sparking protests outside council offices.
Lincolnshire County Council initially agreed to consultations to assess the proposal with an open mind but now says the project’s scope has changed, increasing local concerns. The council’s executive will discuss withdrawing from the process in an upcoming meeting.
NWS, formerly known as Radioactive Waste Management, acknowledged the council’s position, stating that the UK Government’s geological disposal facility (GDF) siting process is consent-based and requires both a suitable site and a willing community. To date, NWS has provided over £2 million in funding for local projects related to the consultation. The facility will not be built in Lincolnshire if local support is not secured.
