The new boss at Bradwell B Power Station claims the nuclear plant “will bring significant benefits” to the community.

Alan Raymant has been appointed as chief executive officer at the controversial facility.

He grew up in Brightlingsea and went school in Colchester.

Mr Raymant says he is hopeful the community will get behind the plans.

He said: “As someone with strong connections to this part of the country, I’m delighted to be joining the Bradwell B project.

“Bradwell B will bring significant benefits to the area, such as jobs, skills and investment.

“The need for the reliable, low-carbon energy that nuclear provides continues to grow strongly.

“Bradwell B will be a major part of Britain’s energy future, powering the national, regional and local economy for many years to come.”

The project is being headed by China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN) and EDF Energy

It was first granted permission by the Government in 2011 and Maldon District Council gave the green light for the partners to carry out investigative work on the site in Bradwell in December 2017.

The then council leader, Mark Durham, said the plans represented a “long-term goal” for the council.

Following the announcement of Mr Raymant as the project’s CEO, Zheng Dongshan, chief executive of CGN UK, said: “We are very pleased that such a well-respected senior executive as Alan has joined our team.

“He will play a highly significant role in driving forward the Bradwell B new nuclear power station.

“The project is of great importance to CGN, since it will involve us in delivering our advanced technology under the robust and world-leading regulatory regime that exists in the UK.

“It is also of major value to this country, since the Bradwell B project will meet a significant part of the nation’s energy needs securely, cleanly and safely.”

Investigative works are currently under way on the site, where the team behind the project plan to understand how they can minimise its impact on the area – both onshore and offshore.

The latest surveys started at the beginning of February.

A Bradwell B spokesman said: “In the coming months, we will be carrying out geophysical, oceanographic and ecological investigations offshore involving a number of small boats, which will be profiling the seabed and marine environment, and providing data on the tides and currents.

“We will also be preparing onsite for further investigative works to take place in the spring and summer.

“All of these surveys and investigations will help inform the impact assessment and design of the proposed power station.

“Once we have sufficient information, we will consult with the local community on our initial proposals.”

Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group (BANNG) was set up 11 years ago to oppose the plans for a new power station.