LATEST research has revealed that more than half of residents polled in the Gosforth and Seascale area would be in favour of the potential construction of an underground nuclear waste facility being developed in their area; while 31 per cent of those polled are in favour of the plans in the Millom area.
Data provides a snapshot of local feeling with 338 people surveyed in Mid Copeland.
A survey conducted in South Copeland in March 2025 involved 200 adults, and a second survey between June 30 and July 21 involved the views of 201 adults.
Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) has been tasked with finding a suitable site in the UK for an underground nuclear waste disposal facility.
The Geological Disposal Facility would provide permanent storage to the UK's most hazardous nuclear waste, the majority of which is currently housed at Sellafield site.
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Mid Copeland and South Copeland are two of the search areas identified for further consideration.
The Mid Copeland area includes Beckermet, Thornhill and Seascale while the South Copeland boundary includes Drigg, Kirksanton, Haverigg, Millom and Millom Without.
Residents of the two search areas were interviewed by consultancy firms about their understanding and opinions related to the GDF, on behalf of the community partnerships.
And 54 per cent of residents in Mid Copeland would be in favour of the major infrastructure project potentially taking place in their area, while 13 per cent were opposed.
The number of Mid Copeland residents in favour of the plans has increased from 53 per cent in the last year's annual survey.
A reduction in the number of undecided residents has been seen compared to last year's findings, 33 per cent were neutral or undecided in 2025, a two per cent drop on the figure in 2024.
Results from a July survey of residents in South Copeland demonstrate a higher degree of uncertainty, 35 per cent said they were opposed to the idea of a Geological Disposal Facility being built in their area, 31 per cent were supportive and 34 per cent were neutral.
The level of opposition to a GDF in South Copeland has increased since March when 30 per cent opposed the idea, 34 per cent were supportive and 36 per cent were neutral.
Community partnerships have formed in both areas to discuss the potential GDF with residents.
Although a lengthy process, residents would ultimately be given a vote on whether their area houses the nuclear waste disposal facility.
Chair of South Copeland GDF Community Partnership, Andy Pratt, said: "We are continuing to survey in South Copeland to make sure that we, as a Community Partnership, have a clear understanding of local people’s awareness, views, and information needs.
"These results show that awareness of the process and understanding of geological disposal are building. However, it’s natural that views will shift over time, especially following significant developments such as the announcement of the Areas of Focus, and during a period earlier in the year where the Partnership was less visible due to a review.
He said: "We are still in the early stages of this long process. A key part of the Community Partnership’s role is to continue building awareness and understanding so that, in time, people are well informed if a suitable site is found and a Test of Public Support takes place.
"The findings help to guide our future activities and communications, ensuring people have the information they need and opportunities to share their views."
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