Herbert Smith Freehills (HSF) and Pinsent Masons have advised as EDF Energy secured planning consent to build and operate the proposed £14bn Hinkley Point C nuclear power station.

The Somerset development, which was green-lit by energy and climate change secretary Ed Davey last week, comprises two nuclear reactors capable of generating up to 3,260 megawatts of electricity. 

The development consent order also permits EDF to carry out associated development work and includes measures amounting to around £100m to manage the impact of the development.

Planning partner Matthew White headed up a HSF team of more than 30 lawyers advising EDF on the application. White was flanked by real estate partner Julian Pollock, energy partners Julia Pyke and Mark Newbery, public law partner Nusrat Zar and environmental partner Louise Moore. 

The team worked closely with EDF nuclear head of legal Chris Hamill and in-house counsel Ian Truman.

Meanwhile, Pinsents acted for the local authorities with a team led by planning partners Richard Ford and Jonathan Riley.

White said: "It was a complex and challenging project requiring a massive team effort. The examination procedure had not been tested for a project of this scale before and there were also lots of novel issues to deal with, including the complex relationship between consents for different elements of the project. 

"It was unusual because the new planning regime meant there were no precedents to follow."

Legacy Herbert Smith has been advising EDF Energy on its nuclear proposals since 2006.