Following the acceptance of the Sizewell C planning application for examination, the project has issued a list of pledges to the community in East Suffolk
The decision to accept the planning application for examination means the Planning Inspectorate is satisfied that the 8 years of public consultation by Sizewell C was conducted properly and that full examination of the proposals can now take place.
Sizewell C will provide a boost to jobs, skills, education and training for decades to come while helping to tackle the climate crisis.
Sizewell C pledges to:
- Minimise disruption to local communities during the construction of Sizewell C.
- Invest in local employment, education and skills. This includes an aim to enable 1000 apprenticeships.
- Support the growth of the local economy. This includes measures to support local firms in gaining work on the project.
- Transport 40% of construction materials by rail and sea, significantly reducing the number of Sizewell C HGVs on local roads
- Respect the Suffolk heritage coast and minimise impact on RSPB Minsmere, National Trust Dunwich Heath and Leiston Abbey.
- Return the temporary construction area to a standard benefiting the AONB following construction.
- Remove the accommodation campus and caravan site, the park and ride sites, the rail extension of the Saxmundham to Leiston branch line and the freight management facility following construction and restore the land.
- Support the Suffolk coast tourism sector to offset impacts from construction through the provision of a Tourism Fund.
- Provide a comprehensive 24/7 on-site occupational health service for workers, a residual healthcare contribution and a Public Services Contingency Fund.
- Require all workers to sign a Worker Code of Conduct and enforce it – as we have done successfully at Hinkley Point C.
- Enhance the economic, social and environmental well-being of local communities through the provision of a Community Fund.
A copy of the full planning application and supporting documents are available on the Planning Inspectorate website.
In a statement, Sizewell C, said: “The timing is right to start the process for the public to be able to view the planning application with new guidelines in place for social distancing.
“We will ensure they have every opportunity to read the planning application for this project which will leave a positive legacy for years to come.”
