Representation by Victoria Hambley
- Date submitted
- 30 September 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I wish to endorse the Relevant Representations submitted by Stop Sizewell C and TASC. I also agree with the concerns raised by many organisations including the RSPB, Suffolk Wildlife Trust, AONB, Environment Agency. These have not been addressed by EDF in their application. My own concerns include but are not limited to the following: 1. There is no longer a plausible case for building Sizewell C (SZC) next to Sizewell A&B. Climate change makes the site unsuitable for a twin nuclear reactor and nuclear waste dump. This fragile coast is at risk from flooding and coastal erosion - the site is in flood zones 2 & 3. Recent reports suggest sea level rises could turn the site into an island with the Environment Agency warning that EDF’s flood compensation proposals ‘may not function as intended’. Building a new nuclear power station, and burying spent fuel on the site for at least 140 years before it can be safely moved, could have catastrophic consequences for our children and future generations. This is unacceptable. 2. The SZC site sits in the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The National Policy Statement recognises that the site has significant environmental sensitivity. Yet EDF’s proposals would destroy miles of the AONB, nationally important fen habitat, ancient woodland and vegetated shingle -one of the world's rarest habitats - as well as the fragile eco-systems that depend on them. This would set an appalling precedent for the future of other AONBs, national parks and SSSIs. 3. The SZC site is surrounded by internationally protected habitats including the Minsmere nature reserve. The habitats of rare birds, animals and plants would be lost forever. The RSPB are of the opinion that ‘Sizewell is not a suitable location for a nuclear power station’ and 'could be catastrophic for wildlife’. Even EDF have admitted the potential impact on Marsh Harriers. Minsmere also links with other nature reserves in the area providing wildlife corridors which are essential if we are to halt the depletion of wildlife not just in Suffolk but in the UK as a whole. 4. Like many in my community, and the many tourists who visit this part of Suffolk, I love this area for its dark skies, peace and quiet, and beautiful and varied landscape. EDF's proposals would have an devastating effect on these qualities due to the significant increase in traffic, noise, light and dust pollution from construction, the closure of local footpaths, and the adverse impact on our internationally designated sites of ecological importance. 5. EDF’s road based transport plan is unsuitable for our rural roads. HGV numbers are as high as those under the ‘road led’ proposals rejected by all statutory consultees during the consultations. The massive increase in HGVs, LGVs, buses and cars would have a significant adverse impact on local businesses and communities. Roads would become gridlocked, quiet lanes that are currently used by walkers, cyclists, horse riders and children would become dangerous rat runs. 6. EDF have failed to assess properly the cumulative impact of SZC and the 8 other energy projects proposed for this part of East Suffolk. EDF have stated publicly that they meet regularly with Scottish Power Renewables, National Grid and the county and district councils so they were fully aware of all these projects before submitting their DCO.