Hinkley Point C will require 3,000 more workers than first estimated, which is putting pressure on accommodation facilities.

The nuclear power plant under construction in Somerset is being delivered by EDF Energy. The firm is working with local authorities in the region to determine the logistics of the increased demand for housing infrastructure. Earlier, it was expected that the workforce on site would peak at 5,600.

Hinkley Point C senior community relations manager Andrew Cockcroft said: “As construction progresses, the number of people working on the project will increase to around 8,500. Plans are in place to manage these numbers, and we’re working with local authorities to increase the amount of accommodation available to the workforce. This will also deliver more jobs and opportunities for people to get involved in one of the UK’s biggest actions on climate change.”

Earlier this week, Sedgemoor District Council, Somerset County Council, Somerset West & Taunton Council and North Somerset Council signed off on a mitigation package, and approved the initial proposals for 163 extra caravan pitches.

The councils said the increase was driven by the need to maintain safety and quality standards on site, and meet the target of delivering an operational site from 2026.

In addition to the increase in caravan pitches, the councils have given the go-ahead for a new bus strategy and car-sharing scheme. Local services such as the police, fire services and onsite medical facilities have also been ramped up.

On Friday, it was reported that hundreds of workers had put down tools and walked off site over issues regarding workers’ pay. The workers involved were specifically working with Bylor, which is a joint venture between Laing O’Rourke and Bouygues Travaux Publics, and is carrying out civil construction work.

A spokesperson for Bylor said workers had returned to site today.

“Bylor, in collaboration with EDF and the unions, continue to hold discussions with our workforce regarding their concerns. Further to these discussions, Bylor are pleased to confirm that our workforce team have returned to work as normal today,” they said.