Sizewell C Stage 2 Consultation launches today

EDF Energy launches the second stage of public consultation for the proposed Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk.

This follows the signing of contracts for EDF Energy’s Hinkley Point C power station in Somerset on 29 September.

The public consultation period runs from today (23 November 2016) until 3 February 2017 and will include 23 public exhibitions across east Suffolk where the public can meet the Sizewell C project team and discuss the proposals.

The first stage of public consultation for the Sizewell C Project ran from November 2012 to February 2013 engaging over 4,000 local people at over 100 events in Suffolk, including exhibitions, meetings and parish council presentations.

Following feedback from the Stage 1 consultation and ongoing technical and environmental studies, for Stage 2 we have developed a preferred position on some of the key elements of our proposals, whilst other parts of our plans remain as options.

Refined proposals include:

• some changes to the main development site for the power station including options to cross the SSSI land adjacent to the operational power station site;
• reduction in number of construction workers housed in the temporary accommodation campus, with the main development site identified as the preferred option for its siting.  It is now estimated that the temporary facility would house a maximum of 2,400 workers (down from 3,000 at Stage One);
• options for bringing in materials by sea, including a Beach Landing Facility and/or a temporary jetty (of which there are two design options);
• options for dealing with vehicle movements along the A12, including an option for a two village bypass of Farnham and Stratford St Andrew following discussions with Suffolk County Council.

Jim Crawford, Sizewell C Project Development Director said: “The local community plays an important role in the development of the Sizewell C proposals. During this stage of consultation we have introduced more public exhibitions because that’s what local communities asked for during Stage 1.

“There will also be a further stage of consultation before EDF Energy submits its application for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate who would consider the proposals before making a recommendation to Government. Sizewell C would make a major contribution to the nation’s future energy needs and provide significant business, training and job opportunities to the region.

“We encourage local people to engage in the consultation process and help shape the future development of plans for Sizewell C.”

Sizewell C would comprise of two UK EPR reactors which would make a major contribution to the nation’s future needs for low carbon energy, supplying enough electricity for around 6 million homes in Britain, meeting 7% of the nation’s future needs. The power station would provide 5,600 jobs on-site during the core construction period and employment for 900 people when operational.

The Sizewell C project team will be on hand to answer questions from local communities at the exhibitions.  EDF Energy has also provided funding to Planning Aid England to provide bespoke, independent and free guidance and advice to local parish and town councils during this consultation.