Representation by Suffolk Local Access Forum (Suffolk Local Access Forum)
- Date submitted
- 25 September 2020
- Submitted by
- Other statutory consultees
Local Access Forums are statutory bodies established by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 to comment and advise local authorities and other decision-making organisations on access issues for outdoor recreation and sustainable travel. They also respond to consultations and draft policy documents. Since the start of consultation on a possible Sizewell C power station, the Suffolk Local Access Forum (SLAF) has had regular presentations from EDF at their meetings. We have welcomed these opportunities for dialogue and have subsequently made constructive comments to them at each phase of the consultation process. We are however concerned that although some of our comments have been taken into account, there are still outstanding issues we feel that still need to be addressed. Summary The main issues that we have been concerned about throughout the consultation process are: 1. The impact on the local and wider public rights of way network that the long construction phase will have, due to closures and diversions, and the consequential damage to the local tourism economy. 2. The impact of the suggested road schemes, and the increased traffic on the A12 on the rights of way network. 3. The need for a public access strategy during construction and a robust access legacy package to include all permissive routes and diversions to become definitive rights of way. An expanded version of our response will be forwarded to you. Please see attached