Nuclear power plant land for sale

Cumbria's existing nuclear plant at Sellafield is being decommissioned

Plans for a new nuclear power station in Cumbria have moved a step closer.

Energy companies have been invited by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) to register interest in buying land adjoining the Sellafield complex.

The 617-acre (250 hectare) area has been earmarked as the site of a new nuclear power station.

It follows the sale in April of land adjacent to three other nuclear sites which raised about £387m for the NDA to use in its decommissioning programme.

The UK government is planning to build a new generation of nuclear power stations to replace those being decommissioned.

John Clarke, NDA Commercial Director, said: "The land adjacent to Sellafield has outstanding potential as a site for new development.

"The NDA recognises the interest generated in its first phase land sale, and looks forward to engaging with interested parties as it continues in its strategy of maximising value from its assets for the benefit of the UK taxpayer."