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EDF Consultation
Sizewell has been named by the Government as a site that is strategically suitable for a new nuclear power station. EDF is consulting on its proposals before submitting a planning application for Sizewell C.
Latest News
28th March, 2023
Environmental permits issued for new nuclear power station at Sizewell C
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20th July, 2022
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has announced that Sizewell C has been granted a Development Consent Order to build and operate the power station.
Project Email Address: SizewellC@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Planning Act 2008 – Sections 116 and 117 and The Infrastructure Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017 – Regulation 31
Application by NNB Generation Company (SZC) for an Order Granting Development Consent for the Sizewell C Project
Notice of the decision by the Secretary of State
Please find below a link to the letter, notifying parties of the Secretary of State’s decision to grant a Development Consent Order for the Sizewell C Project.
http://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/document/EN010012-011152
If you have any queries about the Secretary of State’s decision please contact:
Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
1 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0ET
T: +44 (0)20 7215 5000
E: beiseip@beis.gov.uk
If you are not able to access the letter please contact the Case Team.
Yours faithfully
Sizewell C Case Team
National Infrastructure Planning
Helpline: 0303 444 5000
Email: SizewellC@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Web: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ (National Infrastructure Planning)
Web: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/planning-inspectorate(The Planning Inspectorate)
Twitter: @PINSgov
This communication does not constitute legal advice.
Please view our Privacy Notice before sending information to the Planning Inspectorate.
8th July, 2022
Project Update from Tom McGarry
As you may have heard yesterday, Paul Scully MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, announced a new deadline for the planning decision on Sizewell C.
You can find the statement here: Written statements - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament.
The key part reads: “I have decided to set a new deadline of no later than 20 July 2022 for deciding this application. This is to ensure there is sufficient time to allow the Secretary of State to consider the proposal. The decision to set the new deadline for this application is without prejudice to the decision on whether to grant or refuse development consent.”
In the meantime, we carry on with archaeological and ecological surveys, and work with stakeholders in central and local government, the supply chain, colleges and community groups to maximise the benefits of the project for Suffolk and the East of England.
We will of course be letting you know the outcome on 20 July. In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like to find out more about Sizewell C, please do not hesitate to contact us by replying to this email or calling us on the freephone number below.
Best regards,
Tom
Tom McGarry
Head of Regional External Affairs and Development, Sizewell C
Nuclear Development
30th June, 2022
Q2 Newsletter | Update
26th May, 2022
Sizewell C - nearshore surveys
Survey activities are scheduled to commence on Monday 6 June in relation to the proposed Sizewell C nuclear power project.
The works comprise ground investigations of the Sizewell nearshore area, which will inform the construction of the Beach Landing Facility, Outer Bar Dredging, Combined Drainage Outfall, Marine Bulk Import Facility, and Desalination Intake and Outfall.
Sizewell C Co has contracted Fugro to provide marine borehole information in relation to the design and construction of the structures mentioned above. The boreholes will be located to the northeast of the Sizewell B power plant.
The works will be undertaken in an area that extends from the intertidal zone to 2km from the coastline. They will be carried out from a jack-up platform Aran 250, which will be towed to the site from Lowestoft. The platform includes two drilling rig locations: one dedicated to Sonic Drilling and sampling; and the other to Cone Penetration Testing and Cable Percussive/Rotary open hole drilling.
Subject to weather conditions, the works should be completed by the end of July. We will of course keep you informed of any significant changes to this timeframe.
Please note: this does not constitute the start of construction on the project; nor does the work imply that consent for the proposed development is assumed. The planning application for Sizewell C is being considered by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with a decision expected no later than 8 July.
20th May, 2022
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18th May, 2022
LETTER TO BEIS SECRETARY OF STATE
13th May, 2022
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12th May, 2022
Project Update
This morning the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy published a written ministerial statement concerning the application for a development consent order to build and operate Sizewell C. The statement made by Paul Scully, Minister for London and Minister for Small Business, Consumers and Labour Markets notes that it has been decided to set a new deadline of no later than 8 July 2022 for deciding the application. This is to ensure there is sufficient time to fully consider further information provided by the applicant and interested parties in response to the Secretary of State's post-examination consultation.
The decision to set the new deadline for this application is without prejudice to the decision on whether to grant or refuse development consent.
Many of you will be aware that the date for the decision was expected to be 25 May. However from our perspective this extension is understandable given the breadth of information provided on the project following almost a decade of local consultation to deliver Suffolk’s new nuclear power station. We are looking forward to receiving the decision in due course, no later than 8 July 2022.
In the meantime, we will continue to work with local councils, colleges, businesses and communities to maximise the opportunities from Sizewell C for Suffolk and East Anglia.
As always, if you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Tom
Tom McGarry
Head of Regional External Affairs and Development, Sizewell C
Nuclear Development
26th April, 2022
Notes on Suffolk County Council Energy Briefing April 2022
Sizewell C – Deed of Obligation
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The deed of obligation is there to deal with further mitigation for residual impacts on local councils etc. This is a legal agreement – two deeds have been agreed (the obligation itself and the Suffolk Environment Charity Deed.)
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The deed of obligation is not a section 106 agreement. It is a special arrangement that has not been conducted before.
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There have been significant negotiations throughout the process – SCC with the district council have made sure that enough funds are available for potential impacts and compensation. It has been made sure that the funds will be accessible when required.
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In line with the Environment deed, the company will pay annual donations to charity over the construction operation totalling £78m.
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In terms of trustees, the three signatories of the deed have the right to appoint two trustees each.
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The document of the Deed of Obligation is precise around what funding is available and when. It has a total value of around £120m. The funding flows to the district and county council and in some cases will be passed on to third parties. Most of the funding will become available after the commencement of work date – it was noted that some work could happen earlier than this date – preparatory work namely.
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In terms of governance, the picture is very complex. There will be around 31 governance groups with around 100 meetings per year.
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There are different types of groups including community groups who deal with the comms with local parish councils, there are overarching officer groups and for each of the key topic areas there are review groups with lots of working groups working below these.
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In terms of political engagement, political representation is enabled on the forum which is being established. Any town and parish council across Suffolk can attend the overarching forum – other forums require invitation. Parish councils can apply to sit on these. Two conservative representatives are allowed on the overarching forum with 1 member from each other party.
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There will be political involvement in the 2 awards panels, there is a community funds award panel and a natural environment fund.
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The DOO has provided the authority with funding for programme management, discharge requirement and dealing with the general requirements of the DOO. The district has received funding to set up a website to display all information as it becomes available.
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There has been agreement with emergency services and health where contributions will be made.
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Within the public services resilience fund SCC has secured £13.6m. This includes funding for and adult and CYP social care.
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On transport, the DOO describes how the transport oversight will work. Transport review group is shared by the county council, they will have a key role in reviewing the management and travel plans as well as monitoring the situation. There are bespoke local community transport packages for the key localities which are being discussed with the local town and parish councils.
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In terms of funding, success was achieved in gaining contributions for the A12 major road network scheme. Funding was also secured to pay for the costs to the highways team – around £8m. The transport team may have to employ up to 20 staff once construction begins so this was vital to secure.
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In terms of employment and skills, there is a very significant skills investment. The total is around £14.9m and an additional £10m. This includes bursaries and skills & training provision for existing colleges.
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Sizewell C offers a number of schemes for employment and skills.
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On economic development, East Suffolk has secured funding for their economic development function and their business support service. There is also a £12m tourism fund which is administered by East Suffolk.
25th April, 2022 Planning Act 2008 (as amended) Please find below a link to a letter from the Secretary of State requesting comments from all Interested Parties: http://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/document/EN010012-010819 If you are not able to access the letter or have any other queries, please Yours faithfully Web: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ (National Infrastructure Planning) |
15th April, 2022
Sixewell C Project Update - April 2022
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8th April, 2022
British Energy Security Strategy: Sizewell C - Letter from Tom McGarry
Many of you will be aware of the publication of the Government’s British Energy Security Strategy. The strategy sets out how Great Britain will accelerate the deployment of wind, new nuclear, solar and hydrogen, with the aim of seeing 95% of electricity by 2030 being low carbon.
You can find the Government’s press release here: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/major-acceleration-of-homegrown-power-in-britains-plan-for-greater-energy-independence
The strategy clearly includes positive news both for Sizewell B and Sizewell C. You can find our statement here:https://www.edfenergy.com/energy/nuclear-new-build-projects/sizewell-c/news-views/sizewell-c-and-new-uk-energy-strategy
It is important to note that a Development Consent Order (DCO) to build the Sizewell C Project is still being considered following the examination of the planning application last year. We anticipate that decision will be announced in late May and we will of course notify all interested parties as soon as we hear the outcome. Should the DCO be granted, we will work with local communities, councils, businesses and all stakeholders to help make Sizewell C do the power of good for East Suffolk.
If you have any questions, we are as always available on freephone 0800 197 6102 or by email at info@sizewellc.co.uk
Best regards,
Tom McGarry
21st March, 2022
Sizewell C Project Update – March 2022
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25th February, 2022
Planning Inspectorate submits Sizewell C report
On Friday, the Planning Inspectorate submitted to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy its report and recommendation on whether to grant Sizewell C a Development Consent Order (DCO). This followed a six-month examination process that ran between April-October 2021. The Secretary of State will now have until 25 May to make a decision on whether to approve the DCO application, which would provide us with consent to build Sizewell C.
Thank you for your engagement with both Sizewell C and the Planning Inspectorate over this time. If the project does progress to a Final Investment Decision, we will work hard to limit the impacts of construction and to ensure Sizewell C delivers the maximum benefits for communities in East Suffolk. We look forward to continuing to work with you over the coming months and years.
If you have any queries, please contact us by email (info@sizewellc.co.uk) or phone (0800 197 6192
19th February, 2022
Sizewell C Project Update
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12th February, 2022
Parish Council response to the latest planning application for Sizewell C
DC/22/0078/FUL | Planning application seeking full planning permission for the geotechnical trials for the enabling works of the proposed Sizewell C power station. These works comprise (i) up to 16 ground anchor trials, in 5 locations up to 0.95 ha with a further 0.09 ha for welfare compound, 1.04 ha in total (of which 0.54 ha is above ground) and (ii) deep soil mixing trial area comprising a total area of 0.52 ha, together with welfare and compound areas to support the works and access. | Sizewell C Sizewell Power Station Road Sizewell Leiston Suffolk
Aldringham-cum-Thorpe Parish Council neither support or object to this application. However, the Councillors are extremely concerned that this application has been submitted so late in the planning process, and following so closely behind the last minute application for a desalination plant. We would have expected this investigation to have been completed prior to the DCO. The Council sincerely hope that all of the relevant professional bodies and environmental experts are consulted about this application to ensure that all aspects are thoroughly considered prior to a decision being made.
4th January, 2022
Sizewell C Parish Emailer from the Sizewell Project Team
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29th December, 2021
Planning Act 2008 (as amended) – Section 98
Application by NNB Generation Company (SZC) Limited for an Order Granting Development Consent for the Sizewell C Project
Notification of extension to the reporting period
Please find below a link to a letter from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy giving notification that the reporting period has been extended to no later than 25 February 2022.
http://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/document/EN010012-008729
If you are not able to access the letter or have any other queries, please
contact the Case Team.
Yours faithfully
Sizewell C Case Team
National Infrastructure Planning
Helpline: 0303 444 5000
Email: SizewellC@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Web: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ (National Infrastructure Planning)
Web: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/planning-inspectorate(The Planning Inspectorate)
17th December, 2021
Latest Parish Emailer December 2021
20th October, 2021
Briefing on the Planning Process for Sizewell C : Update - October 2021
19th October, 2021
Planning Act 2008 (as amended) – Section 99
Application by NNB Generation Company (SZC) Limited for an Order Granting Development Consent for the Sizewell C Project
Notification of completion of the Examining Authority’s Examination
Please find below a link to the Examining Authority’s letter giving notification of completion of the Examining Authority’s (ExA) Examination. The findings and conclusions arising from the Examination together with the ExA’s recommendation will be sent to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy no later than 14 January 2022.
http://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/document/EN010012-007905
13th October, 2021
Planning Act 2008 (as amended) – Section 89 and The Infrastructure Planning (Examination Procedure) Rules 2010 – Rule 9
Application by NNB Generation Company (SZC) Limited for an Order Granting Development Consent for the Sizewell C Project
Notification of Procedural Decision relating to proposed Order limit reductions
Please find below a link to the Examining Authority’s letter giving notification of the Examining Authority’s Procedural Decision relating to the proposed Order limit reductions:
http://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/document/EN010012-008084
13th September, 2021
Planning Act 2008 (as amended) – Section 89, The Infrastructure Planning (Examination Procedure) Rules 2010 (as amended) – Rule 8(3), Rule 9 and 13
Application by NNB Generation Company (SZC) Limited for an Order Granting Development Consent for The Sizewell C Project
Change to the timetable, Procedural Decision and notification of an Issue Specific Hearing
Please find link below to view the letter from the Examining Authority of 10 September 2021 which gives notice of the Examining Authority’s Procedural Decision in relation to the Applicant’s proposed additional change submitted on 6 September 2021, together with a change to the Examination Timetable and notification of the date, time and place fixed for an Issue Specific Hearing:
http://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/document/EN010012-007238
If you are not able to access the letters or have any other queries, please contact the Case Team.
Yours faithfully
Sizewell C Case Team
National Infrastructure PlanningHelpline: 0303 444 5000
Email: SizewellC@planninginspectorate.gov.ukWeb: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ (National Infrastructure Planning)
Web: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/planning-inspectorate (The Planning Inspectorate)Twitter: @PINSgov
25th August, 2021
Parish Council's Response to the Sizewell C Construction Water Supply Consultation
The following is the formal response to the Construction Water Supply Consultation from Aldringham-cum-Thorpe Parish Council
If the extensive delay to the provision of the required potable water has only just been brought to the attention of EDF by Essex and Suffolk Water (owned by Northumberland Water) then we must question the thoroughness of the EDF procurement and planning process, and the viability of the many other mitigation proposals that are not yet formally guaranteed and require the provision of infrastructure from other companies, such as the road improvements, rail improvements etc. There is a significant possibility that all of the proposed mitigation actions fail to materialise or face significant delays.
When the Parish Council met with representatives of EDF on 15th April, 2021 we asked them directly if the massive demand for potable water was going to be an issue. We were told in no uncertain terms that it was not an issue, so imagine our surprise and disappointment when this latest consultation arrived, which contradicts what we were told just 4 months ago.
Alternatively, perhaps they knew of this all along and have tried to pass it off as an awkward footnote to the planning procedure hoping that the recent relaxation of COVID restrictions take people’s minds off the significant impact this proposal will have on our community and environment.
An additional forty tankers a day along existing roads and the installation of a desalination plant with its own range of complications yet to be fully explored by the environmental experts cannot be passed off by EDF as a ‘negligible’ or ‘insignificant’ risk if this will add to the previous assumptions used for the environmental impact studies.
How many more last minute surprises related to the other activities outside of EDF’s direct control can we expect? The whole question of Network Rail’s works are precarious to say the least. If these proposals fall through then the numbers of road movements through local villages would increase significantly from current expectations. There are a considerable number of ‘ ifs and buts’ in this Consultation proposal, which has been submitted at short notice, without any independent advice being put before the Inspectorate, especially concerning any damage to the sea floor posed by the Desalination plant, which seems to have a very opened-ended lifespan.
A three week consultation period about a brand new proposal, without any externally validated impact analysis, is unacceptable. A proposal as significant as this should only be considered after a fully independent environmental impact assessment has been completed.
Which ever way you look at this, our confidence in EDF, which was frail at the best of times, erodes further.
17th August, 2021
Issue Specific Hearings
Please find below a link to the Examining Authority’s letter which provides notification of the date, time and place of Issue Specific Hearings to be held from Tuesday 14 September 2021 to Friday 17 September 2021:
http://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/document/EN010012-006693
If you are not able to access the letter or have any other queries, please
contact the Case Team.Yours faithfully
Sizewell C Case Team
National Infrastructure Planning
Helpline: 0303 444 5000
Email: SizewellC@planninginspectorate.gov.ukWeb: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ (National Infrastructure Planning)
Web: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/planning-inspectorate (The Planning Inspectorate)
Twitter: @PINSgov
16th August, 2021
Construction Water Supply Consultation
As you may be aware, last year EDF submitted an application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to build Sizewell C. They have now identified a problem with their Construction Water Supply Strategy and have started a new consultation on their proposal to build a temporary desalination plant. Links to the proposal can be found below. All feedback must be submitted by August 27th, 2021
Consultation Document
The consultation runs until 27 August 2021. If you intend to submit a response please do so by this deadline so your views can be considered.
Planning Update
Last month there were eight Issue Specific Hearings (ISHs). If you were unable to attend or view these hearings, links to the detailed agendas and recordings can be found on the Examination Library, here: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/wp-content/ipc/uploads/projects/EN010012/EN010012-002292-Examination%20Library%20PDF%20Version%20Sizewell%20FINAL.pdf
The Planning Inspectorate has scheduled further ISHs later in August (time has been reserved between 24-27 August) and Compulsory Acquisition hearings 14-17 September. The timetable can be found here:https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/eastern/the-sizewell-c-project/?ipcsection=exam
10th August, 2021
Update from The Planning Inspectorate
Application by NNB Generation Company (SZC) Limited for an Order Granting Development Consent for The Sizewell C Project
Planning Act 2008 (as amended) – Section 89, The Infrastructure Planning (Examination Procedure) Rules 2010 (as amended) – Rule 8(3) and Rule 9
Change to the timetable and Procedural Decisions
Please find links below to view the letter from the Examining Authority of 5 August 2021 which gives notice of the Applicant’s intention to submit a request for changes to the application and the letter of 10 August 2021 which contains details of changes to the Examination Timetable and a Procedural Decision to accept changes 16-18 to the application:
http://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/document/EN010012-006521
http://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/document/EN010012-006651
If you are not able to access the letters or have any other queries, please
contact the Case Team.
Yours faithfully
Sizewell C Case Team
National Infrastructure Planning
Helpline: 0303 444 5000
Email: SizewellC@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Web: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ (National Infrastructure Planning)
Web: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/planning-inspectorate(The Planning Inspectorate)
Twitter: @PINSgov
This communication does not constitute legal advice.
Please view our Privacy Notice before sending information to the Planning Inspectorate.
3rd August, 2021
Construction Water Supply: Consultation
We continue to listen to feedback from parishes and stakeholders. This ongoing engagement, along with further design work in collaboration with Northumbrian Water Limited, has resulted in a proposed change to our Construction Water Supply Strategy. We are seeking feedback on this proposal, which is summarised in our latest Sizewell C Community Newsletter. A full consultation document, online response form and newsletter can be found on our website www.sizewellc.co.uk.
If you require further information about the consultation, please see:
Newsletter:
Consultation: www.edfenergy.com/szc-water-consultation-document
Questionnaire: www.edfenergy.com/szc-water-consultation-questionnaire
The consultation runs from today until 27 August 2021. If you intend to submit a response please do so by this deadline so your views can be considered.
Planning Update
Last month there were eight Issue Specific Hearings (ISHs). If you were unable to attend or view these hearings, links to the detailed agendas and recordings can be found on the Examination Library, here: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/wp-content/ipc/uploads/projects/EN010012/EN010012-002292-Examination%20Library%20PDF%20Version%20Sizewell%20FINAL.pdf
The Planning Inspectorate has scheduled further ISHs later in August (time has been reserved between 24-27 August) and Compulsory Acquisition hearings 14-17 September. The timetable can be found here:https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/eastern/the-sizewell-c-project/?ipcsection=exam
18th June, 2021
Planning Act 2008 (as amended) – Section 89 The Infrastructure Planning (Examination Procedure) Rules 2010 (as amended) – Rule 8(3) and Rule 17
The Infrastructure Planning (Compulsory Acquisition) Regulations 2010 – Regulations 10 to 16
Application by NNB Generation Company (SZC) Limited for an Order Granting Development Consent for The Sizewell C Project
Amendment to the application and inclusion of additional land
Please find a link below to view a letter from the Examining Authority which contains the Rule 8 (3) letter giving details of changes to the Examination Timetable, Procedural Decisions and requests for further information:
8th June, 2021
The Planning Act 2008 – Section 89 and The Infrastructure Planning (Examination Procedure Rules 2010) – Rule 13
The Infrastructure Planning (Compulsory Acquisition) Regulations 2021 – Reg 14
Application by NNB Generation Company (SZC) Limited for an Order Granting Development Consent for The Sizewell C Project
Please find a link below to view Notification of hearings and response to the notice by the Applicant of intention to submit a request for changes to the application
http://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/document/EN010012-005194
21st April, 2021
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17th March, 2021
Briefing on the planning process for Sizewell C : UPDATE – March 2021
24th February, 2021
Please find a link below to view the Rule 6 Letter from the Examining Authority which contains an invitation to the Preliminary Meeting, a draft Examination Timetable and other important information:
http://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/document/EN010012-003148
If you are not able to access the letter or have any other queries, please contact the Case Team:
Project email: sizewellc@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
Telephone: 0303 444 5000
You can also view the letter on the project page of the National Infrastructure Planning website:
https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/eastern/the-sizewell-c-project/
23rd January, 2021
Please find a link below to view a letter from the Examining Authority which contains a Procedural Decision regarding the Applicant’s proposed changes to the application, the timing of the Examination and other matters:
http://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/document/EN010012-003036
You can also view the letter on the Project page of the National Infrastructure Planning website under the Documents tab:
12th January, 2021
Briefing on the planning process for Sizewell C : UPDATE - January 2021
21st December, 2020
Parish Council's Response to Sizewell C - Fifth Consultation
Introduction
Our Parish includes three important business locations - a large caravan Site (Beach View Holiday Park), Sizewell Hall and The Warden's Trust, all very close to the proposed site and yet our Parish has been consistently overlooked as a Consultee. In our response to your Stage 3 proposals dated March 2019 this Council expressed concern over EDF Energy’s commitment to the long-term benefits to our community after the construction of two new nuclear reactors to the north end of our Parish Boundaries. We begged the question of how this massive construction could enhance the quality of life of our residents without overwhelming our limited resources during the lengthy construction period. We have yet to see any indication of a long-term benefit., legacy or sustainability that we require. We felt at the time, and still do, that EDF Energy are doing the bare minimum required to meet the statutory obligations required for the construction and operation of these reactors. Now, eight years into the consultation, an additional consultation phase is required to analyse a new set of proposals post DCO submission. Some of these proposals are distinctly lacking in detail or viability assessment and yet we are expected to offer an opinion.
Environmental Impact
Our previous response expressed concern over the environmental impacts of the site on the Suffolk Coast AONB, the Sizewell marshes SSSI and the RSPB reserve at Minsmere. Some activity has taken place to create new fen meadow habitats at three sites in the county, but a lot more time is required for these sites to develop enough to mitigate the loss of the habitats within the SSSI. The Suffolk Wildlife Trust has written that EDF Energy’s current plans were ‘not even close’ to meeting the habitat replacement requirement. RSPB Minsmere maintained in a recent video that construction of Sizewell C would be ‘catastrophic for wildlife’ and ‘does not believe that Sizewell is a suitable location for a new nuclear power station’. They have yet to be appeased by EDF’s words in claiming to work with them ‘as a valued neighbour’. At all times, wildlife and habitat will be under threat from noise, light and dust pollution.
We worry also about the nature of Sizewell’s sea defences and the effects of rising sea levels. The permanent nature of the structures, up to fifteen metres high and eight metres nearer the shoreline, could disrupt the coastal process at both ends of the site. This autumn has seen dramatic cliff collapses to the northern end of Thorpeness, far more than expected, and could be further at threat. It is vital that any construction activity does not add to this significant risk.
Transport
At previous consultations EDF have been heavily criticized for a too-heavy reliance on a road led strategy for movement of materials and personnel throughout the construction phase of the project. They had appeared to pay only ‘lip-service’ to using other means, namely rail and sea. However, they have now decided to propose some alternatives. The sea route entails a temporary Beach Landing Facility which could be used day and night moving aggregates ashore, although the long-term effects on the extremely unstable coastline to the south around Thorpeness do not seem to have been closely examined. This, along with the proposal to introduce a working rail route would make a serious dent in the HGV numbers on any given day. However, 700 lorry movements daily still equate to one every 2 minutes throughout a 24-hour period. Their proposal for eight daily train movements is welcome, even though these are mostly at night. Perhaps a legacy move on this could be a permanent rail station at Leiston. There is no escaping the fact there will be a massive increase on traffic loads in the existing road network, especially in the early years before the by-passes and park and ride schemes are operational. We feel that the Sizewell link road should be taken up at the scheme’s conclusion and the land returned to its former uses. At present, EDF admits that these changes are not guaranteed, but for a smoother and less chaotic construction process this council feels that they must be implemented.
People and Economy
There will, of course, be great employment opportunities for this area in both the construction and the operational phases of Sizewell C. EDF claim that during the course of construction 25,000 job opportunities will be created and 1,500 apprenticeships provided, hopefully coming in the large part from the local area. 900 further permanent local jobs will be created for the reactor’s operation. However, as the ‘local’ area is defined as anywhere within a 90 mile drive, this might attract more commuter traffic and be less beneficial to the immediate area than first appears.
A large number of the construction workforce will be transferred from the Hinckley site and will be housed in the accommodation campus at Eastbridge. This council opposes this move and has, at the Stage 3 consultation, supported the D2 proposal roadlink, tied into much greater use of the old Leiston airfield site, to create a more integrated approach combining the accommodation campuses, park and ride facilities and temporary construction areas. This would reduce the impact on the AONB and provide a great legacy opportunity for satellite industrial units etc. An improved rail link could facilitate a future technology park, recalling Leiston’s historic industrial past.
Conclusion
Whatever changes EDF Energy may make to this scheme there is no getting away from the questionable nature of Nuclear Power as a future clean resource. We are still decommissioning Sizewell A, at great cost, with many more years to go before completion. The advances in renewable energy over the last decade have been enormous, and by the time that Sizewell C is operational it could well be superfluous. A fraction of the £20 billion that this project will cost, if used for nationwide insulation installation, will give immediate and lasting results to reduce our carbon footprint. It is estimated that the carbon footprint in building this reactor will not be recouped until at least 2040. Furthermore, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority has recently reported that cleaning up after the reactors we already have, never mind what we may have in the future, will cost £132 billion over the next 120 years – a sad legacy for our grandchildren and their childrens’ children.
This area will soon be ‘blanketed’ by an array of wind farms which will be using proven technology at an ever-decreasing cost. We note that both of EDF’s EPRs have been beset with design and technical problems with huge overruns of costs and time.
There is little doubt that this scheme is a massive incursion into the lives of the people in this area, and a massive strain on our already stretched infrastructure. The construction duration, between nine and twelve years, will be a lot to bear for us all and will cause untold damage to our AONB and our quality of life, which EDF are promising to restore and improve but have yet to provide a realistic view of how this will be achieved. The upside of this project is that at the end of it there will be a facility that will produce low carbon electricity for sixty years and nine hundred permanent well paid jobs created in an area where they are much needed. EDF Energy have made eleven updated pledges to ’minimise disruption and enhance the opportunities for Suffolk from Sizewell C’ of which they must be held accountable. Throughout the consultation phases EDF have had to be dragged ‘kicking and screaming’ to a point where perhaps the advantages of this development now have the potential to outweigh its disadvantages, assuming that EDF choose to implement the most environmentally friendly options and not the most cost-effective options. They have a long way to go to prove that they will be the beneficent partner to our area that they claim. Whilst we cautiously welcome some of these proposed changes the lack of supporting documentation falls short of providing a realistic option for us to review against our substantial concerns.
9th November, 2020
Briefing on the planning process for Sizewell C : UPDATE - November 2020
23rd October, 2020
Please follow the links below to view letters from the Examining Authority to the Applicant for your information.
18th August, 2020
Sizewell C Project Update
We are approximately half-way through the pre-examination period of the planning process for Sizewell C. The Sizewell C Information Office in Leiston remains open for residents and organisation to read the documents in hard copy. You still have until 30 September 2020 to register your interest and send relevant representations to the Planning Inspectorate on the proposals:https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk
I would like to alert you to an initiative launched by Sizewell C which takes account of the current challenges we are facing in our economy.
Our sister station being built at Hinkley Point in Somerset has already employed more than 600 apprentices out of the 1000 it aims to create. Plans for Sizewell C still have to be approved but we are keen to show young people what a career with us could look like.
We launched ‘Young Sizewell C’ this weekend. Young people in the county aged 16-21 will be able to register their interest in potential jobs and be kept up to date about the plans. They will be the first to hear about upcoming events and we will share useful tips and advice on putting together CVs and other necessary skills. Over time we will offer access to skills taster days, the chance to visit our operational power station Sizewell B and opportunities to meet the companies we would work with in building Sizewell C.
If a Development Consent Order is granted and Sizewell C can be built, we hope this initiative will give young people a head start in accessing the jobs that will be created by our project. We are also working with our partners in the region to help create opportunities for young people even before construction at Sizewell C gets underway. It is important to prepare early and we have been impressed by the numbers who have registered so far.
For more information please visit www.sizewellc.co.uk
Best regards,
Tom
Tom McGarry
Head of Stakeholder Engagement, Sizewell C
Nuclear Development
June 2020
EDF Newsletter - Hinckley Point
March 2020
EDF have postponed their Development Consent Order for a short while, due to be submitted this month, due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Local councillors say it's not good enough and should delay submitting the DCO for much longer. To read their response, click here.
Stage 3 Consultation
EDF Energy's Stage 3 of formal public consultation on the proposals for a new nuclear power station at Sizewell ran from 4th January 2019 to 29th March 2019.
Aldringham-cum-Thorpe's Parish Coucil responded to the Stage 3 Consultation on 27th March 2019. You can read their response in full by clicking here.
Stage 2 Consultation
EDF Energy's Stage 2 of formal public consultation on the proposals for a new nuclear power station at Sizewell ran from 23 November 2016 - 3 February 2017
EDF published their Consultation Plans in their updated Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC), outlining the activity they undertook during the public consultation. The document is available on their website where you can also find more information relating to their proposals and further consultation. The Stage 2 Consultation provided more detail on issues of interest to the local community, such as transport, accommodation, environmental information and the emerging design of the power station. Public exhibitions were held in the area at the end of 2016.
Aldringham cum Thorpe Parish Council's Response to Stage 2 Consultation
A number of Councillors attended the numerous meetings and drop in events which were held during the Sizewell C Stage 2 consultation process before the Parish Council submitted its response to the consultation at the beginning of February. The response gave a particular focus on legacy and benefit which seems to be largely absent from EDF's current thinking. Suffolk Coastal District Council provided their own response, emphasising their disappointment at the lack of information EDF have provided.
Read the Parish Council's response here.
Other Responses to the Consultation
Everyone has had their opportunity to respond to the consultation, and concerns have been raised. Some responses can be seen below. (If you know of other responses you believe should be included please email the website - pc@aldringhamcumthorpe.suffolk.gov.uk.)
- Suffolk Coastal District Council & Suffolk County Council responded jointly to the consultation. Read their response, which reflects their concerns relating to the consultation.
- Leiston Town Council's response can be read here.
- Suffolk Wildlife Trust has worries about the consultation too - read their response.
- The Theberton & Eastbridge Action Group on Sizewell (TEAGS) response contains very specific concerns. Find out more from their website.
- MP Dr Therese Coffey's response can be found here.
Subsequent to the Consultation Suffolk County Council have published their Alternative Accommodation Study.
EDF met with Sizewell C Community Forum members on 17 November 2017.
Responses to Stage 2 Consultation were discussed. The Minutes of the meeting are published on EDF's Community Forum website.
Sizewell Community Forum
The Sizewell C Community Forum is an independent group of local representatives and stakeholders which plays an important consultative role in the Sizewell C project.
The Sizewell Community Forum has been formed to allow interested parties to discuss the consultation. You can read the Minutes of their meetings and much more, from the preceding link, as well as watching videos relating to progress of the consultation.
The Sizewell C Community Forum is intended to provide a mechanism for discussion during the planning and construction process between EDF Energy, representatives of the local community and other key stakeholders on the proposed development of a new nuclear power station at Sizewell. The Forum aims to encourage EDF Energy to arrive at proposals which minimise the impact on the local community from the project, as well as making the most of what the development could offer East Suffolk.
Sizewell C Joint Local Authorities Group (JLAG)
In January 2012 the Sizewell C Joint Local Authority Group (JLAG) was established in order to facilitate a joint local authority approach to the challenges and opportunities that will result from the construction and operation of the proposed new nuclear power station.
Read EDF's Updates and Newsletters and JLAG's Monthly Updates the from the lists on the left. EDF's November 2016 Update announces the Stage 2 Consultation and the November 2016 JLAG Update details it's response to the announcement.
The first stage of the consultation ended on 6 February 2013. The progression of Sizewell C to Stage 2 Consultation was linked to the Final Investment Decision for Hinkley Point C. In recognition of the lengthy period of time since Stage 1 and in response to feedback from communities and parishes, EDF Energy has added a further formal stage of consultation in order to maintain dialogue and increase the opportunity for the community to have their say on Sizewell C. They will now have a three-stage process rather than two.
Suffolk Coastal District Council's Involvement
SCDC's website has a lot of information relating to Sizewell C, covering all planning aspects, their responses to consultation and community engagement.
Environment Agency Involvement
The Environment Agency is the principal environmental regulator of the nuclear industry in England and Wales. It works closely with the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), who regulate safety and security, to ensure that any new nuclear power stations meet high standards of safety, security, environmental protection and waste management.
The Environment Agency is a consultee in the consultation being carried out by EDF Engergy and will comment on their proposals. In addition, if applications for environmental permits are made the EA would decide if permits should be issued and, if so, the conditions they include.
Read more about the role of the Environment Agency and it's part in the consultation process. The Environment Agency responded to EDF's Stage 1 Consultation in January 2013.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
The Planning Inspectorate recently undertook a consultation on the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Scoping Opinion for Sizewell C and the Environment Agency responded, along with other organisations. The Planning Inspectorate will now take all the views submitted and will formally write to EDF Energy setting out the information that will need to be included in their Environmental Statement to support their Development Consent Order (DCO) application.
Assessment of New Nuclear Power Plant Designs
The Environment Agency has already assessed new Nuclear Power Plant designs and made it's Generic Design Assessment decision in December 2012. Learn about their assessment by reading the email linked here.
On 6 January 2014 the Environment Agency announced that the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) and the Environment Agency have begun assessing Hitachi-GE Nuclear Energy's UK Advanced Boiling Water Reactor (UK ABWR). This follows successful completion of the preparatory step of the regulators' Generic Design Assessment (GDA) process. Read the full document.
Aldringham cum Thorpe Parish Council's Response to Stage 1 Consultation
In February 2013 the Parish Council responded to EDF's Consultation Plans, and this is obviously relevant to everyone in the Parish. Read the Parish Council's response to Stage 1 of the Consultation.