Application for nuclear plant under attack over wildlife risk

WILDLIFE GROUPS have criticised plans to build a new nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast, warning it could harm nature.

But the move by energy giant EDF to submit the application for the 3.2-gigawatt Sizewell C nuclear plant has been welcomed by unions and businesses.

EDF says its proposed new nuclear plant would generate enough “always-on” low-carbon electricity to power six million homes and create 25,000 jobs and 1,000 apprenticeships during construction.

It will also provide 900 skilled jobs over its operating lifetime and support UK energy resilience by reducing the need for imports, the company said.

The application for a development consent order to the Planning Inspectorate was delayed for two months due to the coronavirus pandemic, but questions have been raised about the decision to put in the submission during lockdown.

Wildlife groups have said the scheme should not go ahead as it will harm important habitats around the site on the Suffolk coast.

Suffolk Wildlife Trust (SWT) said construction would lead to the loss of rare fen habitat. Ben McFarland, SWT’s conservation manager, said: “An area between 10-12 hectares – or roughly 10 football pitches – will be covered in concrete. The loss of this nationally rare fen habitat would be devastating and irreplaceable.”

The RSPB said the development would affect its Minsmere nature reserve, potentially affecting water levels in the wetlands which would harm rare wildlife such as water voles, bitterns and otters.

But Justin Bowden, GMB union national secretary, said: “GMB welcomes the EDF planning consent order application which will be crucial if the UK is to have sufficient reliable energy to keep the lights on, homes and businesses powered and to meet net-zero targets.”

John Dugmore, chief executive of Suffolk Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Suffolk business community is very supportive of this crucial project, both in terms of potential contracts and the skills boost.” The process is likely to take 18 months to complete.