RESIDENTS will be able to have their say on a nuclear power project after dates for a first stage public consultation were announced.

The Bradwell B Project, which aims to build a new nuclear power station at Bradwell, has revealed its plans.

The consultation will be a first chance for residents, community groups and businesses to get a detailed understanding of the proposals including what Bradwell B would look like and developments which will be necessary if construction goes ahead.

Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group is leading the opposition to the development.

It said it is at this stage all the tricky issues facing the Bradwell B project must be confronted including the cooling system, site suitability, security, coastal defence and impacts on marine and terrestrial environments.

Chairman Andy Blowers said: β€œIt seems the Chinese developers are taking a risk in trying to present the public and politicians with an apparent fait accompli well before major design and environmental hurdles have been crossed.”

The proposed multi billion pound project is expected to generate enough electricity for around four million homes if built and create tens of thousands of jobs during construction and about 900 permanent jobs for at least 60 years during its operating lifetime.

The consultation will open next month with exhibitions planned at venues across Essex.

They include Mersea Island School, Barfield Road, West Mersea, on March 7 from 11am to 4pm and

Colne Yacht Club, Waterside, Brightlingsea, on March 24 from 2pm to 8pm.

To comment on the plans go to bradwellb.co.uk.