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Advice to Nigel Robinson

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Enquiry

From
Nigel Robinson
Date advice given
29 February 2012
Enquiry type
Email

Example Query

I think it would be appropriate if a site visit were made prior to commencement of the main preliminary works in order to put the site in perspective with regard to the surrounding hamlets and villages. It is a cause of great dismay amongst us to note that we, the closest communities to the site and therefore those most likely to endure the tribulations caused by this immense construction project have been ignored so far and consequently have had little opportunity to make our feelings and opinions heard. A site visit would go some way towards demonstrating to the most affected that we exist and that as human beings, our plight is actually being considered.

Advice given

Thank you for your recent email.

We appreciate that you are concerned that the Examining Authority view the site and surrounding area as soon as possible due to the forthcoming commencement of the site preparation works.

The Preliminary Meeting will present an opportunity for interested parties to put forward their views on the timing of the accompanied site inspections set out in the draft examination timetable.

It is open to the Examining Authority to consider if there are reasons why the date and/or timing of site visits may change in the light of the representations made before and during the Preliminary Meeting. However, the Examining Authority is not able to conduct any formal site inspection until the examination has begun which starts from the day after the Preliminary Meeting (the 22nd March 2012 if the meeting is completed on the 21st).

The Panel also has the ability to undertake unaccompanied site visits throughout the process, although this is constrained by the secure nature of the Hinkley Point site. Your views on this matter will be made available them.

Whether or not it is possible for the Examining Authority to view the site and surrounding area before the preparatory works get underway, interested parties are welcome to submit photographic evidence to the IPC if they feel that would be relevant to points raised in their representations. This photographic evidence could be in connection with either the condition of the site or the amenity of the surrounding area prior to the consented preliminary works being implemented.

If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask. Our Helpdesk is also available for queries on 0303 444 5000.