Battle to defeat ‘pure might’ of developer will be ‘uphill struggle’, Sizewell C opponents warned

Read Online – Diehard opponents to plans to build a nuclear power station on Suffolk’s coast have been told they face an “uphill struggle” against the “pure might” of developers to defeat the plans.

The stark warning came from the chairman of a group which unsuccessfully opposed a similar plan by EDF Energy in Somerset, after he travelled eight hours to tell people what life could be like if the proposed Sizewell C is built.

Richard Cuttell, chairman of the West Hinkley Action Group, told a public meeting that people could face “noise pollution, traffic disruption and the deterioration and destruction of roads” if EDF Energy’s vision to build the plant next to its A and B stations is approved.

The firm believes the plan, which is currently going through its fourth round of consultation, is crucial to meeting the country’s future energy needs.

It says that while it recognises people’s concerns over the impact on roads infrastructure and the environment – particularly sites of scientific special interest (SSSIs) at Minsmere – it has put in place plans for relief roads and wetland habitats to mitigate the effects.

EDF Energy also points to the huge job opportunities Sizewell C could open up, both in construction and the longer-term.

Asked at the meeting on Saturday what opponents needed to do defeat EDF Energy’s plans, Mr Cuttell’s advice was to “question everything and keep fighting”, adding: “You need to put in as much effort as is humanly possible.”

Speaking to this newspaper, Mr Cuttell also said opponents are “going to have to realise the complexity of the process”.

He said campaigners would benefit from strong specialist knowledge and legal representation to make sure their views are heard.

However he said: “I think it’s an uphill struggle because of the pure might of EDF, its public relations team and its financial backing.

“They will throw everything at the process to ensure permission is given.”

The difference between Hinkley Point and Sizewell, he said, is that Suffolk has many more SSSIs which could be affected by the plans.

Television presenter Bill Turnbull, who chaired the public meeting at St Peter’s Church in Theberton, said Mr Cuttell’s assessment of what life is like living near to a major nuclear power station “made me feel pretty sick”.

But he told this newspaper: “I still think there’s a chance we can stop it.

“It comes down to the government at the time and money – and it comes down to the amount of noise we can make and the awareness we can raise nationally.

“Even if I thought there was no chance, I’d still be here.

“We carry on until the last day because we love this place.”

An EDF Energy spokesman said: “We encourage local people to continue to meet with us, to share their views and take part in the consultation for a new power station in Suffolk.

“Our aim is to maximise the huge benefits in jobs and skills for local people, especially the young, whilst minimising the environmental impact of the project.”

Read online – Groans could be heard from opponents to a planned nuclear power station on a Suffolk coast as they were given “pretty bleak” warnings of how it could change their lives.

‘Pretty bleak’: Packed public meeting warned of ‘devastating’ effects of Sizewell C nuclear power station

Residents gathered outside at the public meeting held at St Peter’s Church, Theberton over Sizewell C. Picture: ANDREW PAPWORTH

EDF Energy wants to build the large new Sizewell C power plant next to its current Sizewell A and B stations, saying it is crucial to catering for the country’s future energy needs.

It is currently running its fourth round of consultation on the move, saying it has extensively encouraged people to have their say.

But the plans have long been controversial, with a public meeting chaired by TV presenter Bill Turnbull held on Saturday, September 14 to give neighbours a chance to hear what life might be like if Sizewell C is built.

Television presenter Bill Turnbull chairs the public meeting held at St Peter’s Church. Theberton over Sizewell C. Picture: DAVE ROBB

Richard Cuttell, chairman of the West Hinkley Action Group – which unsuccessfully opposed a similar power plant in the West Country – travelled for more than eight hours to warn them they could face “noise pollution, traffic congestion and deterioration and destruction of roads”.

An EDF Energy spokesman said: “We understand that how our workers travel to site and how we move freight is important to local people during construction.”

It added that it would also use rail and a beach landing facility to move freight during construction, and said an accommodation campus for workers would help to keep construction traffic off roads.

It has also proposed a bypass to ensure places like Theberton are not over-run with traffic.

Richard Cuttell speaking at the public meeting held at St Peter’s Church, Theberton over Sizewell C. Picture: ANDREW PAPWORTH

Protesters against the Sizewell C power stationProtesters against the Sizewell C power station at Suffolk County Council’s headquarters, outside Endeavour House

Volume 0% Watch more local videosProtesters against the Sizewell C power stationSizewell C opposition groups oppose plans for a nuclear plantHundreds of people attend nuclear plant public consultation in ThebertonSuffolk councils respond to Sizewell C consultationSuffolk Councils Respond To Sizewell C ConsultationSuffolk village fire station takes delivery of new engine and equipment!

But opponents believe that will not nearly be enough to deal with the potential consequences, with Mr Cuttell saying: “They’re going to have noise potentially 24 hours a day.”

Of the traffic disruption, he said: “People will be unable to get to places within a guaranteed time.

“A journey may take 20mins or it may take two hours, because of hundreds of lorries, buses, coaches and other transport now on the roads.”

Mr Turnbull – who lives near to Sizewell – said hearing Mr Cuttell’s presentation during the meeting at St Peter’s Church, Theberton “made me feel pretty sick”.

He added: “The picture he paints of what is happening down at Hinkley is pretty bleak.

“It’s really important for people to realise what’s going to happen and how devastating for people it could be – not just here in Theberton but all over, from Woodbridge up to Southwold.

“Everyone is going to be affected. People need to understand the extent to which their lives are going to change.”

The EDF spokesman added: “We have a long established relationship with Theberton and Eastbridge Parish Council and over many years we have listened to and responded to their concerns as elected community representatives.

“This includes proposing a bypass of the village of Theberton and significantly reducing the land required and the height of the buildings for the temporary accommodation campus.

“We encourage local people to continue to meet with us, to share their views and take part in the consultation for a new power station in Suffolk.

“Our aim is to maximise the huge benefits in jobs and skills for local people, especially the young, whilst minimising the environmental impact of the project.”