Salt marsh plans would “destroy” a popular part of our area.

Controversial plans to create salt marshes on the River Severn near Arlingham should be stopped immediately.

That is the view of Gloucestershire County Council leader Stephen Davies (Hardwicke and Severn), who has written to Energy, Security and Net Zero Minister Ed Miliband expressing his opposition to the plans.

EDF’s plans linked to the Hinkley C nuclear power station have been heavily criticized by residents in both Arlingham and Rodley, near Westbury-on-Severn.

Their original plan for Hinkley Point in Somerset was to install an acoustic fish deterrent system to keep fish away from the site, as the Bristol Channel is home to numerous species such as eels, herring, salmon and sprat.

However, EDF believes this will no longer be practical and has instead drawn up alternative plans to create salt marshes along the Severn.

They have identified both Gloucestershire locations as suitable areas, as well as Kingston Seymour in Somerset and Littleton Upon Severn in South Gloucestershire.

The villagers strongly oppose the proposals, fearing they will destroy the Severn Vale.

Cllr Davies says in the letter, which was not signed by the other GCC group leaders, that the authority welcomes the Government’s commitment to achieving net zero emissions.

However, he expressed significant concerns about the extent of the impact the nuclear power station will have on the migratory fish population in the Severn Estuary Special Area, which will result from the massive water abstraction at Hickley.

He believes the situation will be made significantly worse by the intention to remove the required acoustic fish deterrent system from the facility.

And is concerned about the significant impact the new saltmarsh proposals would have, as it would result in the loss of hundreds of hectares of farmland.

“This includes not only farmland, but also farms, houses, businesses, roads, footpaths, cultural assets, etc.,” he writes.

“EDF representatives have already confirmed to residents that they will resort to compulsory purchase orders in the future if necessary and are currently trying to gain access to private land for ecological studies.”

Cllr Davies is calling for the acoustic fish deterrent to be installed as originally planned and for appropriate ecological compensation to be provided to manage the impact on the Severn Estuary. He also wants EDF to be ordered to immediately halt plans to create new salt marshes along the Severn.

Campaign group Save our Severn Vale does not believe the proposed site of a salt marsh in Rodley or Arlingham is viable from a salinity or compensatory habitat perspective, given the species EDF says it wants to save.

“We believe that the risks associated with the destruction of the habitat we currently have, including productive farmland, nature, trees, hedgerows, pastures, recreational opportunities and floodplains, are far too great to ignore with the potential benefits that would arise from a completely different part of the estuary,” they say.

EDF says environmental improvements, including the creation of new salt marsh habitats, are needed to mitigate the impact of Hinkley.

They say their wider environmental plans also include improving weirs on the Rivers Severn and Usk to make it easier for migratory fish to reach their breeding grounds.

“Creating salt marshes is a proven way to increase and protect biodiversity. It helps fish by providing breeding grounds, food and shelter. It also brings benefits for birds and animals.

“Saltmarsh also filters and purifies water, prevents flooding and sequesters carbon – one of our most powerful weapons in the fight against climate change.”

“We understand that community participation is critical to the success of this project. Over the coming weeks we will be conducting reconnaissance surveys to better understand the existing land and environment.

“These surveys will help refine our proposals, which will be included in a planning application to be submitted in late 2025.”

“We are committed to keeping our local impact to an absolute minimum and will continue to engage with the community as our work progresses. Detailed plans will also be presented in a local consultation early next year, where we can better understand your views and address any concerns.”