The Ministry of Defence has this week submitted a planning application to West Berkshire Council for development of a new hydrodynamics research facility (Project Hydrus) at the Atomic Weapons Establishment Aldermaston.
The new facility will be designed to undertake research into materials used in the manufacture of nuclear warheads and will play a key role in ensuring that Trident warheads retain their destructive power as they age. It will also undertake research necessary for the design of a successor to the Trident warhead, should the government decide to develop one.
The application was previously scheduled to be submitted in March 2010, but has been delayed as a result of the general election and the need to obtain ministerial approval for the development.
West Berkshire Council is aiming to make a decision on the planning application within 13 weeks. A target date of 15 October 2010 has been set for determining the application, which is expected to be discussed at the Council's Eastern Area Planning Committee meeting on 29th September 2010. Full details of the application can be found on West Berkshire Council's planning applications webpage.