Plans for Cumbria nuclear waste storage plant

Endecom says the facility would boost the local economy

Proposals for a radioactive waste disposal facility on the site of a former opencast mine in Cumbria have been submitted to planners.

Endecom UK wants to build a plant to manage low level nuclear waste at Keekle Head, near Whitehaven.

It would mostly store material from buildings demolished as part of the decommissioning process at Sellafield.

Following a series of public exhibitions, a formal application has been made to Cumbria County Council.

Endecom development manager Phil Holland said: "We feel the geological conditions of the site, along with its location just 17 miles from Sellafield, make it ideal for purpose-built disposal facilities."

"When we first started to develop the plans for the Keekle Head site, our aim was to be open, honest and transparent throughout, and to share as much information with the community as possible.

"As a result, we have been very heartened by the response we have received as many people view these plans... as an opportunity to restore the neglected site and boost the local economy."