Mike Starkie has called two public meetings to discuss developments linked to the planned Moorside nuclear site after more than 1,600 residents received letters about the proposed development near Sellafield.

The meetings will give people the chance to put their views directly to NuGen’s boss.

Residents and landowners across Copeland were furious after NuGen – the firm behind plans for a new power plant – wrote to them to ask legal questions about their homes and land.

Many believed their homes were at risk of compulsory purchase to make way for the three-reactor development.

NuGen has said this fear was wrong but later accepted its letters – sent by a firm, TerraQuest, on NuGen’s behalf – were “not clear” and a second letter of apology and clarification has been sent out.

It stated that the “vast majority” of those who received letters will not have their homes/land bought up but did not completely rule out this process for all.

Mr Starkie said residents’ concerns needed to be addressed.

He added: “The council were not aware these letters would be going out and residents contacted me as soon as they got them.

“Lots of them are extremely alarmed as questions included who lives at each house and what the mortgage arrangements are. Compulsory purchase orders were mentioned and people were given a deadline for replying, which was understandably unnerving.

“I invited NuGen’s CEO Tom Samson to attend and I am pleased to say he has accepted. He will be at both meetings and I will be able to ask him the many questions people have already emailed me.”

Related:   NuGen says sorry over misleading compulsory purchase letters

He added: “It’s a chance for NuGen to allay fears and give people much more information about their plans and what stage they are at. I hope everyone who has had a letter, or who may live nearby and be concerned, can make it to one of the meetings.

“NuGen has acknowledged mistakes were made in how residents were communicated with and apologised. Now, through these meetings and other NuGen-organised events, we can move to finding out more information and moving forward appropriately.”

The meetings will take place tomorrow at two venues.

The first will be at Egremont Cricket Club at Gillfoot Park from 4pm-5.30pm and the second at Mirehouse Labour Club on Honister Road from 6pm until 7.30pm. The Labour Club will also host a drop-in session run by NuGen from 1.30pm-6pm.

Anyone who would like to ask a question should email mike.starkie@copeland.gov.uk .