JOINT PRESS STATEMENT by Theberton & Eastbridge Action Group on Sizewell (TEAGS), B1122 Action Group and Minsmere Levels Stakeholder Group [1]

For Immediate Release, 9 November 2016

Contacts: Su Swallow, 01728 830981,  Alison Downes, 07711 843884, Roy Dowding, 07729013310, 

After a four year gap, EDF to rush public consultations on Sizewell C over the Christmas period

Campaigners have pressed EDF since 2012 for creative solutions that would bring a positive legacy to the region and alleviate the worst impacts of Sizewell C construction on people and the environment.  

[SUFFOLK] Campaigners in east Suffolk today responded with dismay to news that, after a delay of almost four years, EDF plans to rush through its “Stage 2” public consultations on Sizewell C over the Christmas period. [2] Representing local residents, campaigners have pressed EDF and elected representatives since 2013 for commitments that negative impacts of worker accommodation and construction traffic on frontline communities and the environment will be genuinely addressed.

Su Swallow, Co Chair of Theberton & Eastbridge Action Group on Sizewell [TEAGS] said: “Ever since Stage 1 consultations, we and other community representatives have been urging EDF to look imaginatively at ways to enhance Sizewell C’s legacy to the region, whilst reducing the cumulative and disproportionate impacts on people and our unique environment of what is expected to be a decade-long period of chaos. This will be the biggest construction project the East of England has ever seen, and EDF cannot be allowed to ride roughshod over the communities in its path.”

EDF promised an additional consultation stage in response to feedback from communities looking for more detailed plans [3]. Of particular interest will be how EDF addresses concerns relating to:

• Environment: construction will impact the coastline and groundwater, as well as a wide range of birds and other animals, raising threats to two Sites of Special Scientific Interest and the nationally treasured Minsmere Reserve, and damage the unique qualities that make this part of Suffolk so special – peace, tranquility and dark night skies – driving visitors away. Environmental impacts will be exacerbated by a “new town” for up to 3,000 construction workers (see below).
• Accommodation: EDF intends to build a new town for 3,000 workers – including multi-storey residences, car parks and leisure facilities – close to Minsmere and next to Eastbridge, a hamlet of 50 people. Yet at Hinkley Point, workers will be split across 3 sites mostly in urban settings. [4]
• Transport: EDF is relying on the B1122, a country road, to carry 600 lorries a day and provide the main emergency access and evacuation route. A Suffolk County Council survey in July 2016 revealed that traffic on the B1122 was “the number one” concern for the community, with residents feeling that EDF had not yet provided any satisfactory solutions. [5]

Alison Downes, Co Chair of TEAGS added: “Despite widespread criticism of EDF for holding Stage 1 consultations over the Christmas period in 2012, [6] history is being repeated, which makes us once again question EDF’s sincerity in its desire to be a “good neighbour”, since feedback seems to fall on deaf ears. EDF has had years to put these proposals together, and yet local people are expected to digest lengthy and complex information and make a meaningful response in less than 10 weeks. Given the long gap since Stage 1 we are at a loss to understand the rush.”

Notes

[1] Theberton & Eastbridge Action Group on Sizewell was formed in 2013 to represent the concerns of its residents about EDF’s accommodation and transport plans. It has the full support of the Parish Council. www.stopsizewellc.org. The B1122 Action Group was formed in 2013 to press EDF for a dedicated road from the A12 to the Sizewell C construction site. http://sizewellrelief.weebly.com. The Minsmere Levels Stakeholder Group monitors the management of the water catchment area of the Minsmere River, Leiston Beck and Leiston Drain, its subsequent discharge through the Minsmere Sluice to the sea, as well as the state of coastal erosion across the Minsmere Haven area. http://minsmerelevelsstakeholdersgroup.onesuffolk.net

[2] EDF’s “Stage 2” consultation period will last from 23 November 2016 to 3 February 2017.

[3] http://sizewell.edfenergyconsultation.info/szc-proposals/stage-2/

[4] In Somerset, worker accommodation will comprise 500 immediately adjacent to the build site, the remaining 1,000 on two sites in Bridgwater, population 50,000, with the potential for some legacy student accommodation. In Suffolk, up to 3,000 workers will be housed on green fields around 2-3 miles from the build site, and a very long way from suitable infrastructure and entertainment for workers off-shift.

[5] County Councillor Guy McGregor said: “We needed to hear what concerns local people have about the development. This report has given voice to such concerns and EDF need to listen and act upon this….. We will use this information to ask EDF Energy to take direct measures to address the widespread worries of the local community.” http://www.ipswichstar.co.uk/news/traffic_analysis_raises_serious_concerns_over_sizewell_c_1_4618024

[6] EDF’s Stage 1 consultations took place from 21 November 2012 to 6 February 2013.