THE clearance of wood and grassland at the site of the proposed new Hinkley C nuclear power station could start as early as this autumn.

EDF Energy’s decision to apply to West Somerset Council and the Marine Management Organisation to begin site preparation work before the new build is approved has angered campaigners.

A final decision on the build may still be years away.

Jim Duffy, spokesman for Stop Hinkley, said: “Trashing this huge greenfield site is extremely premature as none of the major consents are anywhere near being in place.

“EDF hopes to get the nod from the local authority to keep up the momentum of its juggernaut plan.”

Protesters claim that the work could put protected areas and wildlife under threat and destroy three historic barns thought to be habitats for bats.

A spokesman for the French energy company said: “EDF Energy has indicated for some time that it would be applying for consent to carry out early preliminary works which could eventually facilitate the early construction and operation of a new power station at Hinkley Point.

“Our aim is to make these applications and secure the consents over the coming weeks, so if consent is eventually granted for the power station itself, its construction can commence as early as possible, with the minimum disruption to local communities.

“The works would involve site preparation and the construction of a temporary sea jetty.

“The site preparation work mainly relates to earthworks to form a series of terraces for the main construction.

“This includes the removal of three barns and hedgerows, together with some woodland and grassland.”