Representation by Corinne Lusher
- Date submitted
- 17 September 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I wish to raise the following issues of concern about Sizewell C. 1. Project and Economic a. EDF have a poor record in bringing a complex project such as this to conclusion on time and within budget. Examples: Flamanville, Hinkley Point. It is likely that this project, if it gets the go ahead, will suffer delays and increases in predicted costs. Whilst EDF say that it will be faster to build Sizewell using Hinkley experience, the geographical location is different, and the challenges will therefore also be different. b. EDF say that there will be 900 new permanent jobs created at Sizewell, approximately 300 of which will be local. The build is estimated at £20bn. This equates to £22m per post. There are much better ways of creating work in this area. c. There are currently 10 energy projects proposed to be built over the next 12-15 years that will impact the Suffolk heritage coast. This is too much for this area to absorb without considerable damage to its beauty, wildlife, and tourist industry. d. It is estimated that tourism, an important employer in this area may lose up to £40m a year and 400 jobs. EDF surveys suggest 29% of visitors could be deterred. e. The cost of nuclear power has dropped below that of renewable power. The proposed funding could be better diverted to research better methods of storing electricity produced by renewable methods and advancing the wind, sun and wave power available. f. If this cannot be funded without a surcharge on customers bills it should not be contemplated. 2. Site Selection a. This week it has been reported that another huge (43 square mile) block of ice broke off from the Arctic’s ice shelf, contributing to the concern over rising sea levels. This site will be at risk of flooding. b. Minsmere will border the development and the disruption will impact the many protected species, such as marsh harriers, that depend upon it. There is no evidence to guarantee that providing alternative habitat will mitigate the impact of the project on these species. 3. Disruption during development a. The predicted road traffic will impact badly on air quality and cause disruption on roads leading to the site. b. The influx of workers to an area of relative low population will place existing infrastructure under stress. I endorse the Relevant Representations submitted by Stop Sizewell C, RSPB and Suffolk Wildlife Trust. I consider the Sizewell C application to be totally unsuitable for a digital examination process.