The Government decision to invest £14.2 billion to build the long-awaited Sizewell C nuclear power station in Suffolk has met with a degree of resignation from the local council.

It is the first British-owned nuclear power station to be announced in more than 30 years. The Government will be a majority shareholder alongside EDF.

The power station is expected to take 10 years to complete and create 10,000 direct jobs along with many more in the supply chain

But Cllr Tom Daly, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for energy projects, who had opposed the scheme, accepted the decision and urged locals to get their views heard on the next major infrastructure project, Sea Link, a proposed 138km cable connection between Suffolk and Kent.

In a statement Cllr Daly said: “East Suffolk Council believes that truly renewable energy, such as offshore and onshore wind and solar, provides a better long-term answer to the energy security and carbon reduction future of the UK.

“However, with this announcement, the Sizewell C project now proceeds with certainty, and we will work closely with Sizewell C Ltd and our technical advisors to ensure that the funding we secured for local communities will genuinely benefit the people we serve.

“This ‘Deed of Obligation’ includes a commitment by Sizewell C, secured by East Suffolk Council, to provide £30 million in investment for housing, economic development and tourism schemes, as well as a £23m community fund and £12 million towards the natural environment.

“East Suffolk Council also requests – in parallel with this significant investment in nuclear energy – that similar funding will be provided for community energy and domestic insulation solutions to meet the urgency of the climate crisis and unaffordable energy prices for many.

“Domestic solar PV combined with other appropriate energy saving technologies are a both a realistic and achievable, cost-effective path to meeting our climate commitments, as well as alleviating fuel poverty.

“Meanwhile, through meetings with ministers and regular engagement we will continue to lobby the Government further to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach to energy policy and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects which protects the wellbeing of this district.

“As part of this we are urging local residents to get involved in the next stage of the planning process for the proposed Sea Link project, for which a significant amount of onshore infrastructure is proposed, impacting the East Suffolk district.

“The application has been submitted for examination to the Planning Inspectorate, and only those registered will be able to comment during the examination period.”

Deadline for comments is June 23.

Visit: https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/EN020026

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