Action groups protesting against a new Bradwell nuclear power station held a conference to discuss the impact of Bradwell B.

Nuclear Free Local Authorities (NFLA) hosted a public meeting alongside Together Against Sizewell C, Blackwater Against New Nuclear Group (Banng) and Stop Hinkley.

The talks, which were held in Colchester, looked at the financing of new nuclear sites and the “urgent” climate change concerns Bradwell faces.

Professor Andrew Blowers, of Banng, said: “A mammoth new nuclear power station will see the long-term storage of dangerous radioactive waste at Bradwell.

“It will inflict devastation and danger on the tranquil Essex coastlands and bring harm to marine life of the estuaries that compose the Marine Conservation Zone.”

The groups are concerned that radioactive waste could remain for up to 200 years and claim no long-term solution to radioactive waste management has yet been agreed.

Prof Blowers said: “It is difficult to conceive a more vulnerable site as the impacts of climate change bring flooding, storm surges and coastal change to this fragile area.

“The fact that this nuclear danger will be undertaken by a Chinese state-backed company makes it totally unacceptable.”

The NFLA’s David Blackburn said nuclear “is not the answer” to low-carbon energy needs.

A spokesman for the Bradwell B development said the Government had designated the site as “potentially suitable” for a new nuclear plant in 2011, with the risk of flooding and coastal change being a major factor in its decision.

EDF Energy, which is leading the development, said: “Once a power station enters operation, there will be ongoing coastal and climate change monitoring throughout its lifetime with provision made for adaptation if necessary.”