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Advice to Nicola Pilkington

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Enquiry

From
Nicola Pilkington
Date advice given
11 July 2019
Enquiry type
Email

I am contacting you about the timing of the Stage 4 Consultation. Not only have Public Exhibitions been left out in Theberton, Middleton, Darsham and Saxmundham but the main thrust of the Consultation coincides with the start of the School Holidays. Many people will have already booked Holidays who should be at the Public Exhibitions and will most likely be away due to the announcement of the Consultation occurring with almost no notice. This will mean that there will be reduced involvement by local Residents, Parish and Town Councillors, The Environment Agency, RSPB etc etc. The timing makes a very clear statement that EDF does not have a serious Commitment to hearing peoples views and also is not holding to Good Practices that underpins the Consultation process. Please register and listen to my concerns.

Advice given

The application has not yet been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate, the proposal is currently at the pre-application stage of the planning process, the developer is expecting to submit the applications in Q1 2020. Until the applications are submitted, your first point of contact should be the developer. I would therefore encourage you to contact EDF Energy directly (info@sizewellc.co.uk). It is important that the developer is made aware of your comments at the pre-application stage of the process, to enable them to consider these points before finalising their proposals and submitting the applications to the Planning Inspectorate. I note you have concerns about the way in which the developer is carrying out the pre-application consultation. You should let them know as soon as possible and allow them the opportunity to respond to any issues you raise. You can also make your local authority aware of your concerns. The Inspectorate will request the relevant local authorities’ view on the adequacy of the consultation at the point the application is submitted. Your email setting out your concerns will be kept on file. If you would like more information about the Planning Act 2008 process, please see “Advice Note Eight: Overview of the nationally significant infrastructure planning process for members of the public and others” which can be found along with other advice notes, here: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/legislation-and-advice/advice-notes/