The French energy giant bidding to build a replacement nuclear power plant in Somerset says the Government's pledge not to subsidise new stations won't slow it down.

However, lobby groups and some industry experts claim the appointment of anti-nuclear Liberal Democrat Chris Huhne as Energy Secretary brings uncertainty to the entire nuclear plant replacement programme.

Jim Duffy, Stop Hinkley's spokesman, also claims the anticipated date for Hinkley C's planning application to go before the Infrastructure Planning Commission has slipped by four months to December 1.

EDF, which has been widely criticised for the quality of its public consultation for the new station and its infrastructure, maintains the application was always due to be lodged during the winter.

The multi-billion pound investment in a new nuclear plant at Hinkley would safeguard hundreds of jobs and create hundreds more during construction, providing a significant boost to Somerset's economy.

But proposals for campuses for construction workers at Williton and Cannington have come under fire from those communities.

Cannington residents say it would be swamped and is demanding that EDF build a new road, taking power station traffic far away from its village streets.

Mr Duffy said the Government decision not to spend a penny in state subsidies "is a hardening of position from the previous Labour Government who had not insisted on full liability insurance for the proposed generation of reactors".

Vincent de Rivas EDF's chief executive said: "We welcome the new Government's clear commitment to a low carbon and eco-friendly economy, including action on energy efficiency, smart grid and various renewable technologies.

He added: "We welcome that the new Government has made clear its policy on nuclear energy through its commitment to practical steps so that new nuclear construction becomes possible.

"Crucially, there are welcome commitments on two specific elements we have consistently called for.

"Under the coalition agreement, the new Government said it had agreed a process to bring forward the national policy statement 'for ratification by Parliament so that new nuclear construction becomes possible'.

"We believe nuclear power is the lowest cost low-carbon option and can be built in the UK without subsidy.

"Our plans for £20 billion-plus investment in low carbon energy can help boost the UK's economic activity and create tens of thousands of jobs."