Sizewell C delay to give locked down communities more time to have their say

The energy firm EDF has delayed submitting its application to build a new nuclear power plant in Suffolk by "a few weeks" due to the coronavirus crisis.

The application for a development consent order to build the new Sizewell Cnuclear plant, which would provide an estimated 7% of the UK's power, was due to be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate by the end of March.

But, given the current situation, EDF said it had decided to defer submittingthe application by a few weeks, and will allow more time for people to register as participants so local communities can take part in the process.

EDF also said it is liaising with the Planning Inspectorate to discuss howarrangements for considering the application could be flexed so communities are not disadvantaged by the current circumstances.

The final decision on whether to grant a development consent order to buildSizewell C will be taken by the Government.

The go-ahead for the new nuclear plant will also be subject to financialnegotiations between EDF and the Government over levels and type of support the project would receive.<