A statement from Cllr Tom Daly, Cabinet Member for Energy and Climate Change, following the commencement of construction for the Sizewell C new nuclear power station:

Sizewell C Ltd confirmed that the construction of Sizewell C new nuclear power station commenced on Monday. The development will be built in accordance with the Development Consent Order (DCO) which was granted in July 2022 by the Secretary of State and the Deed of Obligation, a legal agreement between East Suffolk Council, Suffolk County Council and Sizewell C.

East Suffolk Council will ensure that Sizewell C adheres to the commitments and obligations made within the Development Consent Order and Deed of Obligation to make certain that, where possible, the adverse impacts are appropriately mitigated.

This includes a commitment by Sizewell C, secured by and for East Suffolk Council, to provide £30 million in investment for Housing, Economic Development and Tourism schemes, as well as a £23 million community fund and £12 million towards the natural environment in partnership with Suffolk County Council.

We will work closely with Sizewell C Ltd and our technical advisors to ensure East Suffolk Council discharge our DCO responsibilities, and use the funding secured in the Deed of Obligation to benefit local residents by securing the necessary mitigation.

In addition, East Suffolk Council will have two nominated Trustees on a Charitable Trust created by the promoters of the new nuclear plant , to be known as The East Suffolk Trust.

This will promote, for the benefit of the public, the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment, including the protection and enhancement of Natural Beauty and the advancement of the education of the public in the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment in and around East Suffolk for the next 70 + years.

Whilst the Council remains of the view 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 the development of Sizewell C has been consented by the government and it is now under construction.

This money could have been more effectively spent on retrofitting homes with insulation and the real renewables that would reduce energy bills and our energy climate footprint now. Nevertheless the residents and communities of East Suffolk should be satisfied that the Council will work with Sizewell C Ltd to get the best development possible, and lobby government further to ensure a coordinated and strategic approach to energy policy which protects the well-being of this district.