A new nuclear power station for Romney Marsh has been given an overwhelming vote of confidence by Shepway councillors.

The full council heard a motion presented by Cllr Rory Love asking the council to “reaffirm its commitment to the case for a Dungeness C” on Wednesday evening.

Councillors across the chamber agreed about lobbying the government to include a new site at Dungeness as part of its nuclear new build programme.

MP Damian Collins has already outlined nuclear power on Romney Marsh is one of his top priorities.

Cllr Love said: “I think this is going to send a very powerful message indeed. I don’t want to raise false expectations. There are hurdles not least Natural England but I think together those hurdles can be overcome.

“The Kentish Express highlighted ongoing concerns of the job losses [at the decommissioning of Dungeness A]. We knew there were likely to be job losses.

“There’s an estimate it [the nuclear industry] can create 32,000 jobs and I want to ensure they are for our people. There’s a real concern of keeping the lights on and having a real balanced portfolio of energy production.”

He added he would inform the new energy secretary and Hastings MP Amber Rudd of the outcome of the vote.

An extension to Dungeness B was announced last year taking its use up to 2028.

Cllr Roger Wilkins (Con), a former National Grid employee of 30 years on the Marsh, said the infrastructure is in place for another power station.

He added: “The people of Romney Marsh would welcome it with open arms and want to keep it going on the Marsh.”

Cllr Peter Simmons (Con) said: “I’d like to take it a step further: the benefit for the area throughout the constituency.

"We have a community that understands nuclear and supports it. Why push it on to a community that doesn’t?.." - Cllr Susan Carey (Con)

“It will need specialist builders and that will create employment. The local shops will benefit from the extra employment.”

The support of the towns and parishes was called upon by Cllr Clive Goddard (Con) to get as much support throughout the district.

Labour’s Cllr Claire Jeffrey added it was a “critical one for our district” but also for the neighbouring council areas including Ashford and Rother in Sussex.

Cllr Frank McKenna (Ukip) said: “It’s a very important motion. The skills will be lost and the skills at Dungeness are very important to be passed on to the next generation.”

The council’s new cabinet member for finance Cllr Susan Carey added: “It’s important that across the district that we can all support it. We have a community that understands nuclear and supports it. Why push it on to a community that doesn’t?”