Sizewell C Q2 2022 Newsletter

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

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

This is the latest monthly update about developments on the Sizewell C project. Thank you for reading it and if you have any questions for us, please do not hesitate to reply. The Planning Application for Sizewell C: Decision Time Last week the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy announced that the deadline for its decision on Sizewell C Co’s application for a Development Consent Order to build and operate Sizewell C would be extended from 25 May to no later than 8 July. This is to ensure that there is sufficient time to consider fully the further information provided by us and interested parties in response to the consultation questions that have been asked by the Secretary of State over the past couple of months. Given the amount of information submitted, this brief extension is understandable and it is important that all due process is followed. We look forward to receiving the DCO decision by early July.   The thirteen volumes that make up the Report on Consultation which was submitted with the application for a Development Consent Order to build Sizewell C. Every single issue and question raised at the four formal stages of consultation is answered in these documents. Latest News on Hinkley Point C Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the same design of power station that we are seeking to build at Sizewell C. Construction work on HPC began in September 2016 and 55% of building milestones have been achieved. In February, EDF stated that it would review the impact of COVID-19 on the project. The pandemic meant that HPC suddenly had to reduce the number of workers on site from more than 5,000 to around 1,500 to ensure social distancing, while several other safety measures were put in place. Naturally this has slowed progress and the HPC Review, published last night, indicates that the impact of the pandemic will mean a further 12 months are necessary to complete the construction of the power station. Unit 1 is now expected to begin generating in June 2027. The pandemic is one of several factors that have resulted in unprecedented pressures on the project. The budget for HPC is now forecast at £25bn-£26bn. It is important to repeat that this budget increase will have no cost impact on British consumers or taxpayers. Sizewell C is unlikely to face the external challenges experienced by HPC over the last two years. We are confident that by building a copy, construction costs will be lower. The completion of our most detailed ‘execution’ design at HPC will give Sizewell C a major head-start, with more certainty on costs and quantities. As we progress on Unit 2 at HPC, all the evidence shows that the fastest way to get more nuclear for Britain is to repeat the same design with no changes. This experience will provide a major boost for Sizewell C.  Legislation passed a few weeks ago will unlock cheaper financing for the project, bringing significant savings for billpayers. Both projects are vital if Britain is to become more self-sufficient in energy and less reliant on imported gas – and tackle the ongoing threat of climate change. They will help keep energy costs down by delivering home-grown, reliable, clean electricity to millions of households for decades to come.   Aldhurst Farm Wetland Habitat Creation Scheme to the north east of Leiston: six hectares of low lying wetland habitat and 60 hectares of heathland. We began transforming the site from low-grade agricultural land in 2015. Recent Ecology and Other Site Surveys The past month of survey activity around the main site has resulted in some exciting news. During routine surveys in April, we identified two marsh harrier nests: one at our 67-hectare habitat creation site at Aldhurst Farm, which is already a haven for an array of species, and another in the Sizewell Marshes SSSI – the first breeding marsh harriers to be seen in the SSSI for 25 years. Our team of environmental experts immediately established buffer zones around the nests, within which activities and works are being strictly controlled to avoid disturbance. These controls will remain in place throughout this year’s breeding season. We have informed the Secretary of State so that he can take this into consideration in his evaluation of our planning application, and we are working with East Suffolk Council to understand the implications for the geotechnical trials that we have planned at the main development site. A busy programme of works is ongoing in East Suffolk to prepare for Sizewell C, including archaeological, topographical and ecological surveys. We now have an online tracker of our activities that allows you to see on a day-by-day basis the works that are taking place locally.   The Sizewell team recently participated in the School Farm and Country Fair. Local Activities We recently hosted an exhibition stand at the School Farm and Country Fair, which is organised for local primary schools by the Suffolk Agricultural Association and took place at Trinity Park. We spoke to hundreds of children throughout the day about the importance of wildlife and conservation in Suffolk and, alongside our colleagues from Sizewell B, delivered some interactive learning opportunities. We also welcomed students from Oxford Brookes university to Leiston, who were eager to understand more about Sizewell C and in particular the process of engagement that we have undertaken with local communities over the past 10 years. Sizewell C’s community relations team met the students at the Sizewell B visitor centre, providing them with an update on our progress and some insights into the planning process for large-scale infrastructure projects. Next Steps We will be exhibiting at the Norfolk Showground for two days later this month at the East of England Energy Group’s Southern North Sea conference. Our busy programme of engagement with local parish councils, where we are providing an update on the project and discussing the Deed of Obligation, is also continuing, with 15 meetings already completed over the past couple of months and plenty more to come. If you have any questions or issues you’d like to raise or would like to have a meeting or presentation, feel free to contact the Project Team in Leiston, by email (info@sizewellc.co.uk) or freephone (0800 197 6102). Kind regards The Sizewell C Project Team

 

18th May, 2022
LETTER TO BEIS SECRETARY OF STATE

13th May, 2022

Nuclear Regulation News   Coming this summer: Public consultation on the draft permits for Sizewell C     What we’ll be consulting on   The Environment Agency is the independent environmental regulator for the nuclear industry in England. It makes sure that nuclear power stations meet high standards of environmental protection. Any company that wants to operate a nuclear power station will have to show that it can build, commission, operate and decommission it safely and securely, whilst protecting the environment and managing radioactive waste. In 2020, SZC Co. applied to us for 3 environmental permits. These are permits to: dispose of and discharge radioactive wastes operate standby power supply systems using diesel generators discharge cooling water and liquid effluents into the North Sea We then started the process of determining the permits, which was supported by holding a public consultation from July to October that year. Since then we’ve considered the comments we received, and carried out our own detailed technical assessment of the applications. We are currently preparing our consultation documents ahead of running a 12-week public consultation this summer where you will be able to view those documents and send us your comments. For more details about what the permits are for, and the scope of the consultation please visit our information page     When does the consultation start?   We expect to start the consultation in late June. We’ll email again on the start date with all the details of how to get involved. We’ll also be advertising locally and online. Please help to raise awareness by sharing our communications with your colleagues and networks.     How to view the documents   The documents will be available to view and download online. We’ll share the link once the consultation begins. We realise that not everyone will have access, or the ability to view documents online, so we’ll send printed reference copies to the nearby libraries and town council offices. You will also be able to view the documents at the drop-in events. If you are a parish council or other community group and you would like a set of the printed copies, please can you get in touch with us to let us know by 13 June.     Engaging with us   Drop-in events: We’ll be offering the opportunity for you to ask questions and talk with our regulators and permitting team at drop-in events which we plan to run near to the start of the consultation. We’ll publicise dates and venues once the consultation begins. Online events: We’ll also run one or more virtual sessions nearer to the closing date so that you can ask us any other questions you may have before you submit your response.

 

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

1. 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.)

2. The deed of obligation is not a section 106 agreement. It is a special arrangement that has not been conducted before.

3. 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. 

4. In line with the Environment deed, the company will pay annual donations to charity over the construction operation totalling £78m.

5. In terms of trustees, the three signatories of the deed have the right to appoint two trustees each. 

6. 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.

7. In terms of governance, the picture is very complex. There will be around 31 governance groups with around 100 meetings per year. 

8. 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. 

9. 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.

10. There will be political involvement in the 2 awards panels, there is a community funds award panel and a natural environment fund.

11. 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. 

12. There has been agreement with emergency services and health where contributions will be made. 

13. Within the public services resilience fund SCC has secured £13.6m. This includes funding for and adult and CYP social care.

14. 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.

15. 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. 

16. 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. 

17. Sizewell C offers a number of schemes for employment and skills.

18. 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) Application by NNB Generation Company (SZC) Limited for an Order Granting Development Consent for the Sizewell C ProjectSecretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy – Request for comments 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 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

15th April, 2022
Sixewell C Project Update - April 2022

Welcome to our April update providing the latest news on the Sizewell C project. Surveys We’re delighted to have launched our new online Sizewell C Works Tracker, which allows you to see daily updates on the surveys and other key activities that we are undertaking in East Suffolk to prepare for the project should it be granted a Development Consent Order (DCO). The tracker allows you to search for works happening in your parish or to find out about surveys related to a particular scheme, such as the proposed Park and Ride sites or the Two Village Bypass. Currently you can find information there about topographical surveys taking place this week on the B1122, and an archaeological survey near the site of the Sizewell Link Road. We will of course continue to notify directly parish councils and others about important surveys taking place locally, but the tracker offers an easy-to-use way of seeing the latest information on local activities at a time of your choosing. We are also continuing our work this month to understand more about the recreational use of various public rights of way in East Suffolk. This will put us in a position to understand how this usage changes if and when Sizewell C progresses into its construction phase, and therefore whether – in addition to those already set out in our planning application – further measures will be necessary to protect habitats and species at these sites. Local events We are continuing a busy programme of engagement with local parish councils and other community organisations. At these meetings we are proving an update on the project and a refresher on the proposals submitted to the Planning Inspectorate. We are also presenting Sizewell C’s Deed of Obligation, a set of legally-binding commitments to how we would seek to limit the impacts of construction on local communities and maximise the opportunities. These meetings are providing a good opportunity to continue to listen to community representatives and to answer questions and clarify details on the proposals. Later in the year, and subject to the project receiving its planning consent, we will be eager to meet again to discuss in more detail the emerging plan for construction and how this will be experienced in different local communities.  Last week we hosted a networking breakfast at Suffolk New College in Ipswich, which explored the opportunities for the town in the event that Sizewell C is given the go-ahead. Attendees heard from the college’s Principal, Viv Gillespie, on some of the local skills challenges that Sizewell C could help to address, from Tom Hunt MP on the Government’s commitment to nuclear power, and from Sizewell C Head of Regional External Affairs Tom McGarry on how the Project is progressing. Sizewell C’s Supply Chain Lead Steve Carroll spoke alongside Ashley Shorey-Mills, Head of Sizewell C Supply Chain Engagement at the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, on the opportunities for local businesses and the project’s commitment to driving investment in the region. You can read more about it here: https://www.edfenergy.com/energy/nuclear-new-build-projects/sizewell-c/news-views/sizewell-c-puts-ipswich-centre-its-plans. Legislation and planning  The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy is still expected to announce a decision on whether to grant a DCO for Sizewell C on 25 May. Since receiving in February the report and recommendation prepared by the Planning Inspectorate, the Secretary of State has issued two sets of questions for us and other interested parties on various aspects of our planning application. The first set of responses that we and others provided were published yesterday on the Planning Inspectorate’s website. The Nuclear Energy (Financing) Bill, which will allow the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) funding model to be applied to large-scale nuclear power projects, has now received Royal Assent and is therefore in law. The RAB could be applied to Sizewell C, if the project reaches a Final Investment Decision. This milestone came a few days before the government published its Energy Security Strategy, which set out an ambition for a new fleet of nuclear power projects to support the net zero transition. As ever, if you have any questions or issues you’d like to raise or would like to have a meeting or presentation, feel free to contact the Project Team in Leiston, by email (info@sizewellc.co.uk) or freephone (0800 197 6102). We wish you all a happy Easter and look forward to seeing you soon. Best wishes The Sizewell C Project Team

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

Welcome to our latest monthly update on developments on the Sizewell C project. Team update The Sizewell C Project was delighted to welcome Michelle Emmerson-Grey to the team last week, who joined as our new Community Relations Manager. Michelle has worked in various communications-focused roles in Suffolk, in particular in the education and arts sectors. Her role on Sizewell C will be focused on engaging with local residents to keep them informed and to ensure that their issues and concerns are fed back to the project team. Michelle will be working with Andy Mower, Senior Community Relations Manager, and Tom McGarry, the Head of Regional External Affairs and Development, as we meet with community groups and parishes ahead of the decision on the application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to build Sizewell C.   Surveys  We are continuing to undertake surveys in East Suffolk to ensure that, if Sizewell C reaches the construction phase, it is able to progress as safely and efficiently as possible. Next Monday, our contractors VolkerFitzpatrick will begin digging trial holes at various locations along the A12 and on roads in Leiston, to assess the state of underground utilities infrastructure. These works will inform the detailed design of the Associated Developments, such as the Two Villages Bypass, the Sizewell Link Road, and the Yoxford Roundabout. The works on the A12 will be conducted overnight in order to minimise disruption; in Leiston most of the trial holes will be dug during the day, but there will also be three nights of work and a 30mph speed restriction along Abbey Road and Lover’s Lane.  It is important to note that during these night-time works, some sections of the A12 between Yoxford and Friday Street may require the road to operate on a single lane with traffic lights at either end. Again, we are working at night to minimise disruption and aim to complete the works within four weeks.  Topographical surveys at various locations along the B1122 are continuing, as are archaeological digs on private land near the proposed Sizewell Link Road. With so much activity ongoing we have been evaluating new approaches to keeping local stakeholders informed, and will soon be launching a website that will allow residents and their representatives to see day-by-day information about survey activities in their communities.   Skills and careers Sizewell C marked International Women’s Day on 8 March by joining Women Into Construction, an independent organisation that promotes gender equality in the sector. Our Civil Programme Director, Sarah Williamson, who announced our membership at an event in Ipswich on the day, affirmed Sizewell C Company’s commitment to recruiting 40% women into the business and working with culture change organisations to promote gender equality. Last week members of the team hosted an exhibition stand at the Norfolk and Suffolk Skills and Careers Festival at the Norfolk Showground. Over a busy couple of days we spoke to hundreds of students from around East Anglia who were interested in a future in the nuclear power industry, highlighting some of the key skills required and the wide range of career options available. Ukraine At Sizewell and across the company, EDF employees have responded to the tragic events in Ukraine. We will be donating £50,000 to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR). This is the charity that the EDF Group Foundation in France is also supporting.  UNHCR is working with authorities, UN agencies, internally displaced community groups and partners to provide humanitarian assistance. Colleagues are also supporting the Disasters Emergency Committee and the British Red Cross. What’s next On 25 February, the Planning Inspectorate submitted its Recommendation Report on whether to grant Sizewell C a Development Consent Order to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The Secretary of State is expected to announce a decision on the application by 25 May.  The government’s Nuclear Energy (Financing) Bill, which would establish the Regulated Asset Base (RAB) as a funding model for large-scale nuclear power projects in the UK, is continuing its progress through Parliament. On 24 March, the proposed legislation will reach Report Stage in the House of Lords, giving Peers the opportunity to propose amendments to the Bill. The Regulated Asset Base funding model could potentially be applied to Sizewell C. Locally, the Leiston team will continue over the next couple of months to meet with parish councils and other organisations to discuss how we intend to maximise the opportunities that Sizewell C will bring while minimising disruption to communities during the construction phase.  As ever, if you have any questions or issues you’d like to raise, or would like to have a meeting or presentation, feel free to contact the Project Team in Leiston, by email (info@sizewellc.co.uk) or freephone (0800 197 6102). Kind regards The Sizewell C Project Team

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

Good afternoon, Welcome to the first Sizewell C Project Update of 2022. You are being sent this because at some point you have expressed an interest in being updated on the plans for a new nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast. We continue to be grateful to those of you who are engaging with us on ensuring that the project, if it progresses to construction, delivers the maximum benefits for East Suffolk, and we hope we can continue to have meaningful discussions and meetings with many of you now that many COVID restrictions have been removed.     On the Sizewell Estate… On 24 January, we began the planting of a further 5,375m2 of woodland and 4,667m2 of heathland scrub clumps in the eastern field of the Aldhurst Farm Habitat Creation site: around 4,500 plants in total. Over the last five years we have transformed 67 hectares of former arable land at Aldhurst Farm into a fantastic mosaic of wetland, grassland, heathland and scrub that was once widespread across East Suffolk. Otters and marsh harriers have returned and this planting will help attract other wildlife to the site as well as being enjoyed by local residents.     Survey and Planning Update A busy programme of survey activity is continuing. Archaeological trial trenching has since January been underway in Middleton, at sites near the proposed Sizewell Link Road, following the completion last year of digs at the planned Two Villages Bypass at Farnham. Three weeks of topographical surveys are currently being undertaken on the B1125, and will then move onto the B1122 and the A12 for a further couple of months. We are also continuing to roll out automatic people counters at various recreational sites in East Suffolk. These will ensure that, if Sizewell C progresses to construction, we will be able to monitor its impacts on local wildlife and respond with mitigations if necessary. We are also seeking planning consent from East Suffolk Council for geotechnical trials on the main development site. These are the latest phase of ground investigation activities for the project, and are intended to inform the approach being taken to the early earthworks. The trials would aim to understand how best to install the ground anchors that would provide support to the cut-off wall, which would be built around the main platform to prevent groundwater from flowing into the deep excavations. Deep soil mixing trials will also be conducted as part of work to ensure that all areas of ground on the main site are strong enough for the foundation of earthworks.     Skills We were focusing on apprenticeships last week to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week and this year's topical theme of #BuildTheFuture. We issued a special edition of our Young Sizewell C newsletter to explain to our subscribers how apprenticeships work, why they might want to consider this route, and the types of roles that will be available. We also hosted a session with Speakers for Schools and Apprenticeships Suffolk to tell local students about our Young Sizewell C programme, the skills that our project will need, and how they can get ready for a rewarding career with us. We are aiming to deliver 1,500 apprenticeships at Sizewell C across sectors from construction to hospitality.     Project finance  Business and Energy Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng visited the Sizewell C site on 27 January to announce that the government would provide £100mn to support the continued development of the project. This is a show of confidence from the Government and will be used by us to help attract investors and bring the project to maturity. In comments during his visit, the Secretary of State emphasised the importance of developing new nuclear as part of the Government’s plan to insulate the UK from the high global gas prices, which are now pushing up consumers’ energy bills. The government was clear that this option agreement aims to ready Sizewell C for further private investment, subject to value for money and relevant planning approvals. Meanwhile, legislation that will introduce a new funding model for large-scale new nuclear plants, the Regulated Asset Base, is continuing to progress through Parliament, and will next be considered by the Lords on 22 February. MPs in the Commons overwhelmingly supported the legislation in January, by 458 votes to 53. Subject to planning consent and ongoing negotiations with the government, the RAB could potentially be applied to Sizewell C. What’s next? Before the end of this month the Planning Inspectorate will send its report and recommendation on the application for a development consent order to build Sizewell C to the Secretary of State. Over the years many views and expressions of support and opposition have been aired and fed back to the project through various stages of public consultation. When a decision is announced it will be on the basis of the proposals submitted. Over the passage of time some elements of the plans may have been forgotten or require clarification for local communities and their representatives. Therefore, over the coming weeks as we await the Secretary of State’s decision, due on 25 May, we are particularly keen to speak to local parish councils about the proposals as they stand and how the construction of Sizewell C might be experienced in your local area. We would also like to brief you about the project’s Deed of Obligation, which outlines our approach to realising the benefits of the project and mitigating the impacts of construction, along with the proposals in place for community involvement in project governance. Over 40,000 local residents will also soon receive through their letter boxes our latest community newsletter. And finally… A special mention for Sizewell B, which on Monday marked 27 years of generating low carbon power. The station was connected to the grid on 14 February 1995 and has produced enough electricity since then to power every home in Suffolk for 178 years! No less importantly, it has provided generations of jobs and community benefits for East Suffolk – a legacy of which to be proud and on which, if consented, Sizewell C has big ambitions to build. As ever, if you have any questions or issues you’d like to raise or would like to have a meeting or presentation, feel free to contact the Project Team in Leiston, by email (info@sizewellc.co.uk) or freephone (0800 197 6102).   Kind regards, Sizewell Project Team Freephone: 0800 197 6102* Email: info@sizewellc.co.uk *Calls to 0800 numbers are free from UK landlines. Call costs from mobiles and international numbers may vary.

 

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

Good afternoon, We hope you enjoyed a happy and healthy festive period and wish you a prosperous 2022. We look forward to working with parish councils over the months ahead. Just before the Christmas break, on 17 December, you will have hopefully received an email from us providing an update on the project, which included the timeline for completion of the planning application process. Shortly after we issued the update, the Planning Inspectorate published a request that it had made to the Secretary of State Kwasi Kwarteng for a six-week extension to its period for reporting on Sizewell C. The Secretary of State has accepted the request; this means that the Planning Inspectorate now has until 25 February to submit its final report on Sizewell C, after which the Secretary of State will have a further three months to make his decision. An announcement on whether the project will be granted a Development Consent Order is therefore due by 25 May.  As ever, the Sizewell C team in Leiston remains available to answer any questions, so feel free to contact us by email (info@sizewellc.co.uk) or freephone (0800 197 6102).   Kind regards, Sizewell Project Team Freephone: 0800 197 6102* Email: info@sizewellc.co.uk *Calls to 0800 numbers are free from UK landlines. Call costs from mobiles and international numbers may vary.

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 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

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.uk Web: 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

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:

https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/wp-content/ipc/uploads/projects/EN010012/EN010012-005266-SZC%20-%20Rule%208(3)%20Stitched%20Letter.pdf

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

Please find a link below to view a letter from the Examining Authority which contains the Rule 8 letter giving details of the Examination Timetable, Procedural Decisions, Examining Authority’s first written questions and notification of hearings: http://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/document/EN010012-003597 The Examining Authority has also made a Procedural Decision regarding the Applicant’s proposed changes to the application: http://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/document/EN010012-003615

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:

https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/eastern/the-sizewell-c-project/?ipcsection=docs

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.