MP wants 'speedy' decision over Brean Pontins

A Somerset MP is urging government planning inspectors to provide clarity on the future of a holiday park.

Pontins Brean Sands is being used to house up to 900 staff working at Hinkley Point C, with EDF Energy securing a three-year lease from Pontins’ parent company, Britannia.

In 2023, EDF said it was investing in Brean and instead of seasonal work, there would be year-round trading opportunities.

Discover Brean, which represents local businesses, has lodged an appeal, arguing the change of use would have “significant” economic impacts.

Sir Ashley Fox, the Conservative MP for Bridgwater, has now written to the Planning Inspectorate urging for a speedy decision on the matter to reduce “uncertainty”.

In the letter – which was published in full on his official Facebook page – Mr Fox said: "As you are aware, the Pontins site plays a crucial role in the local economy as a designated tourism site, attracting visitors and supporting numerous jobs in the region."

He added: "The timely resolution of this appeal is essential to secure the sustainable tourism status of Brean and to ensure the continued economic stability of the area."

The existing facility is made up of 600 chalets, a leisure complex, a swimming pool, shop and outdoor facilities, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

Under the existing lease, EDF employees will be able to remain on the site until at least 2026.

The Planning Inspectorate has confirmed that the Pontins appeal will be settled through written representations and that a site visit was in the process of being arranged.

However, it was unable to confirm when this visit will take place or when the inspector’s final ruling on the matter would be published.