An MP has been attacked for not being "more open-minded" over his staunch anti-nuclear stance after plans emerged that could see a reactor built in a coastal village. 

Steff Aquarone, MP for North Norfolk, has faced criticism from senior Tories after the Liberal Democrat called for the Bacton power plant bid to be scrapped.

It follows Viaro Energy revealing it is looking at building a small nuclear reactor at the site after it recently acquired the energy facility from Shell.

What the IMSR plant could look likeWhat an IMSR plant in Norfolk could look like (Image: Terrestrial Energy)

RED MORE: MP calls for nuclear site in village to be scrapped

Christopher Cushing, leader of the Conservative group, made the comments at a North Norfolk District Council meeting.

He also put Tim Adams, leader of the Liberal Democrat-controlled authority, in the spotlight as he grilled him on his own stance on the project, in light of his party colleague's views.

READ MORE: Norfolk village a 'target site' for nuclear power plant

Lib Dem MP Steff Aquarone has been criticsed for his stance on the nuclear reactor plans for BactonLib Dem MP Steff Aquarone has been criticsed for his stance on the nuclear reactor plans for Bacton (Image: Steffan Aquarone)

Mr Cushing said: "Do you endorse the negative response from Mr Aquarone, who stated nuclear 'is not a renewable option and goes against the grain of where we are going in North Norfolk?"

Christopher Cushing, leader of the Conservative group at NNDCChristopher Cushing, leader of the Conservative group at NNDC (Image: Conservatives)

Mr Adams diplomatically said he is still seeking to find out more information about the proposal before forming an opinion.

"This has come without prior knowledge to anyone in local government or the local community.

"It does not surprise me that we are seeing these proposals emerge. If we are to reach the production of green hydrogen, we will need lots of electricity.

"I will seek to learn more about the potential for such a thing coming forward before coming to any conclusions."

Tim Adams, leader of North Norfolk District CouncilTim Adams, leader of North Norfolk District Council (Image: Liberal Democrats)

In response, Mr Cushing said he was "delighted Mr Adams is considerably more open-minded, as indeed we all should be".

He added: "This is something we should be interested in and not take the negative stance of Mr Aquarone."

READ MORE: Villagers see potential benefits of going nuclear

Bacton Gas TerminalBacton Gas Terminal (Image: PA Media/Joe Giddens)

He added that the small nuclear plant could boost energy supplies in a region which has a shortage of electricity and that it could power 250,000 homes.