Industry figures have raised concerns about the government’s decision to include three Cumbrian sites on the list of possible locations for nuclear reactors.

On Wednesday, the government gave initial approval to a list of 11 sites nominated by energy companies, including RWE and Eon, as spots for new plants. They include the existing nuclear site at Sellafield in Cumbria and two new plots at Braystones and Kirksanton nearby.

Simon Harrison, energy director at engineer Mott MacDonald, said: “The grid is weak in Cumbria and the Lake District national park is in the way. Any major new transmission connections in that part of the world would be very difficult.”

A month-long consultation has now begun.