Sizewell C has today, January 12 2021, submitted its proposed changes to the planning application for Suffolk’s proposed new power station.

The changes were proposed following feedback from the two local authorities in the region as well as residents, MPs and other stakeholders and follows a 30-day public consultation, which started on 18 November 2020.

The Project consulted on a series of changes which include increasing rail and sea deliveries during construction to reduce the number of HGVs on local roads.

These new proposals will mean 150 less HGVs on local roads on the busiest day over the peak construction period.

The Project also plans to reduce the use of AONB land on the Sizewell estate by working closely with Sizewell A, which is being decommissioned, and by using existing land within the Sizewell nuclear licensed area for critical buildings that need to be moved to allow construction to get underway.

In addition, a proposed new design to the crossing over the Sizewell Site of Special Scientific Interest will result in less of the SSSI being used for the project. Additional land for the creation of fen meadow to compensate for the loss of fen meadow land has also been identified.

Other steps, outside the Application, that have been taken to improve the benefits for Suffolk include:

• An increase from 1000 – 1500 apprenticeships.
• The launch of Young Sizewell C to provide links through education into training and jobs with Sizewell C and other regional companies.
• A clear pathway for students leaving education now to start work on Hinkley Point C and then return to the Sizewell C project in an advanced role – the first of those apprenticeships have been allocated to students in East Coast College and they are scheduled to start at HPC this year.
• Allocating our apprenticeship levy to enable local firms to take on apprentices in critical skills areas for the region.
• We intend to bring the growing Sizewell estate into the management of an independent Environment Trust which will focus on biodiversity and the stewardship of the natural habitat.

Speaking about the updated proposals, Carly Vince, Sizewell C Chief Planner said:  “We continue to listen to local communities and other stakeholders and are grateful for their feedback on these changes which will keep more lorries off Suffolk’s roads.”

Sizewell C will deliver jobs, training and a boost in skills leading to sustainable well-paid careers, which is more vital than ever with the recovery from the pandemic crisis.  Our work with education leaders will equip the next generation of workers with access to those jobs and others in the region.  Our links with local charities working in Opportunity Areas, such as Inspire Suffolk and Access Community Trust, is already underway and will widen the access to fulfilling careers.

Next steps

The Planning Inspectorate will now consider these proposed changes in advance of the examination later this year. Town and parish councils can be assured that the Sizewell C Project is available to answer questions, attend council meetings and will continue to send regular planning briefings to parish clerks of all East Suffolk parishes and SALC.

Source: Sizewell C Media Team