Pontins Brean Sands closed to house Hinkley Point C workers

The energy company says it wants to "create a positive legacy" for the site

A holiday park will be shut to tourists while it is used to house up to 900 power station construction workers.

Sedgemoor District Council approved EDF Energy's request to use Pontins Brean Sands while Hinkley Point C is built in Somerset.

The company said it would undertake a multi-million pound refit at the Pontins site before it is used by workers.

It said this would benefit tourists after workers leave in three years.

'Long-lasting benefit'

A spokesperson for EDF said the work would "ensure the accommodation is of a high standard for workers" and "provide a long-lasting benefit to tourism in the area".

The existing facility is made up of 600 chalets, a leisure complex, swimming pool, shop and outdoor facilities including play areas.

In a statement, EDF said: "The improvements will comprise of renovation and modernisation of the chalet units, improvements to the electrical supply, installation of Wi-Fi connections and upgrading the infrastructure."

Concerns have been raised that a lack of paying holidaymakers at Pontins would mean less business for local companies and shops that rely on the turnover of people staying at the holiday park.

'Shocked'

Alan House, chairman of the tourism marketing group Discover Brean, said he was "a bit shocked" by the decision.

"Brean is the second largest caravan and camping destination in the country, and Pontins is the largest bed provider.

"It'll have a massive impact on the local economy, particularly during the tourism season," he said.

"We appreciate there are some areas of Brean that are going to be OK all year round, but it's not going to replace the volume or have the spending power of families on holiday with their children," he added.

Hinkley Point C said it had worked to make sure the move was not detrimental to Brean.

A spokesperson said: "We have been working with the local community and businesses throughout this process and developed a significant mitigation package, which will benefit the area over the years to come."

EDF plans to use the holiday park, owned by Britannia Hotels, until November 2025, at which point the park will revert to its original use.

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