MP demands answers after overnight booming noise reports from Cottam power station

A Torksey resident who complained about booming noises from the Cottam power station on the other side of the River Trent is to be given an opportunity to direct his concerns to site bosses, with the local MP also demanding answers.

Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh first raised the concerns in public, claiming that residents at The Elms Retirement Village were being disturbed by noise generated from the station night.

He has asked for an explanation from EDF Energy, which owns the power station, on the “wholly unacceptable” disturbances.

EDF Energy has disputed some of the MP’s accusations, stating that they have received only one official complaint about the noise and have invited the resident to be shown around on Wednesday, November 22.

However, it did acknowledge that over the last few years, it has had to switch the station on and off frequently, instead of running it for long uninterrupted periods as in previous decades.

The company added that the complaint does not relate to the neighbouring West Burton power station, which it also operates.

A spokesperson for the French company said: “We have been made aware of this noise by a local resident and we are investigating it.

“We have operated Cottam power station for 50 years and over the last couple of years the changing nature of the UK electricity system means that we have to switch the station on and off frequently rather than operating for long uninterrupted periods as in the past.

“This is to provide flexible generation to support the national grid system and as a result of UK energy policy which is designed to decarbonise the electricity generation market.

“Cottam power station is a major contributor to the local economy and employs more than 200 people plus additional contract partners. The station is capable of producing 2000 MW which is sufficient to meet the needs of two million homes.”

‘A lack of consideration’

Gainsborough MP Sir Edward Leigh. Photo: Steve Smailes for Lincolnshire Reporter

Sir Edward Leigh said: “The disturbances described to me are wholly unacceptable to the enjoyment of my constituent’s homes and disruptive due to the late hour they occur.

“I have written to the head of paid service at West Lindsey District Council, Mr Mark Sturgess, asking for the authority’s urgent intervention.

“If this noise disturbance is coming from the power stations then it shows a lack of consideration for those people who live in proximity to the site. I hope we will get answers urgently and that action will be taken to reduce this noise pollution.”