Since the end of the Examination process in 2021, the information has been collated and reviewed by the Planning Inspectors and the decision is currently resting with the Secretary of State. We are expecting a decision whether the development will get the go-head at the end of May 2022.
As a reminder, Suffolk Wildlife Trust strongly objected to the development.
We continue to believe building a large power station in such an ecologically sensitive location cannot be justified. Specifically, we are most concerned over the potential for fundamental changes to the hydrology of Sizewell Belts SSSI (Site of Special Scientific Interest), replacing high quality groundwater with poorer quality surface water. We believe this fundamentally puts at risk the nationally important fenland plant and invertebrate community. We are also unhappy with the proposed direct loss of some 6 hectares of SSSI, valuable habitat that will be lost forever, with a high degree of uncertainty that it can be replaced effectively. Our third main area of concern and focus has been the potential impact on the nationally important population of rare barbastelle bat. Habitat destruction, fragmentation and the effects of light and noise may have a significant and long-term impact on the population.
Throughout the planning phase, we worked hard with colleagues at RSPB and Friends of the Earth bringing together evidence and pushing hard for suitable mitigation and compensation. Whilst we still believe the location is unsuitable and the risk remains high, we did make considerable progress in influencing and improving the plans developed by EDF, to lessen the impact and risk on wildlife.
If, by the end of May, the Secretary of State decides to allow the development to progress, we will continue to work with partners and closely with EDF to ensure the agreed mitigation, compensation and monitoring is carried out effectively.