Representation by Anne-Marie Robb
- Date submitted
- 29 September 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I wish to raise the following issues of concern about the proposed Sizewell C development. 1. Massive impacts on the local community of Eastbridge & Theberton a. EDF’s lack of engagement with local community most heavily impacted by the proposals. b. EDF’s lack of plans to mitigate the impacts of the proposed build on this community. c. EDF’s attempt to lump Eastbridge & Theberton with Saxmundham for the DCO’s Impact Assessment is disingenuous as the two areas are significantly different demographically and economically d. Significant increase in noise levels e. Constant light pollution in a current ‘Dark Skies’ area f. Health impacts of significant quantities of airborne dust particles g. Communities divided by proposed Theberton link road h. High probability of anti-social behaviour from 6000 workers based on EDF’s current Hinkley Point C build and experiences of Sizewell B construction. i. SZC requires significant abstraction of water for construction – this is an area with limited availability of this and potential to impact local agriculture is high 2. Lack of transparency a. EDF’s plans are not fully developed, many areas of the DCO do not provide a holistic view of the project or detailed plans for the build & final site – it is not possible to fully evaluate the project 3. Environmental impacts a. SZC site is not large enough for a dual reactor development by the UK government’s own guidance. b. Climate Change – significant emissions from 10-15-year build (Concrete use, Vehicular movements, removal of woodland and natural vegetation) c. Irreparable damage to drainage regime in delicate habitat of the Sizewell and Minsmere Marshes – an area containing multiple SSSI’s and Ramsar sites d. Potential contamination of ground water through development and disruption of previous construction materials from Sizewell A & B e. Potential reduction in ground water levels in the area and impacts on Minsmere sluice and upstream habitats. f. Knock on negative impacts on biodiversity in the area e.g. threat to key species such as Marsh Harriers g. Impact on changes to coastal processes (North and South of site) caused by SZC’s ‘hard engineering solutions’ at coastal frontage. h. Increased potential for coastal breaches allowing ingress of sea water into marsh habitats 4. Economic & social impacts a. EDF recognises approx. a third of tourists will be deterred from visiting – hence major impact to local tourism industry – loses of up to £40 million per year. b. Significant pressure on local services (medical, fire, police, social care etc) caused by 6000 workers relocating to the area. 5. Cost a. Unit price significantly higher than true renewables (nuclear minimum of £92.50 per MWh, Offshore Wind less than £39.65/MWh) b. Lack of funding will leave UK population to pay for an unnecessary development £40 per household per year. In addition to my own representation, I wish to endorse those submitted by Stop Sizewell C, RSPB, Theberton & Eastbridge Parish Council and the Suffolk Wildlife Trust. I believe the Sizewell C application is entirely unsuitable for a digital examination & that this process must either wait for Covid19 restrictions to be lifted or for socially distanced face to face means to be used.