Sizewell C, near Southwold, legal challenge rejected by High Court as East Suffolk Council, Together Against Sizewell C and more express disappointment
Parties seeking a judicial review against Sizewell C have expressed disappointment after the case was rejected by the High Court.
Campaign group Together Against Sizewell C (TASC), based in Leiston, sought a judicial review of the £20bn nuclear plant.
They hoped to challenge its development and raised concerns in a number of areas, which included their view that there was no way of knowing if the environmental benefits of the station would outweigh the costs.
Cllr Tom Daly, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for energy and climate change, shared his woes on the result.
He said: “I am disappointed with the outcome, as well as for those who fought valiantly on behalf of the community to defend what they believe is the wrong location for a nuclear power station.
“There remain many unresolved issues that raise significant concerns. Whilst it is for the claimants to decide on their next steps, I can reassure the residents and communities of East Suffolk who will be affected by this huge development, that East Suffolk Council will work with them and hold EDF to account if the development proceeds.
“We will ensure the many impacts on local communities are reduced as much as possible, that they are in accordance with the permission, while maximising the opportunities for mitigation and compensation where necessary.”
Jenny Kirtley, the chairwoman of Together Against Sizewell C, said the body was sorry to announce the hearing went against them.
While the team were disappointed with the results, and not at all what they’d hoped, she revealed it would not spell the end of their efforts to oppose the plant.
Ms Kirtley said: “Together with our lawyers we are examining all possible options open to us and can promise our supporters that in one form or another, this campaign will continue.
“The Suffolk Heritage Coast cannot be sacrificed for such an unnecessary and inappropriate development, and we will examine every avenue of opposition until all are exhausted.
“We are extremely grateful for the high level of support we have experienced over a sustained period of years from so many individuals and organisations.
“Special thanks go to our legal team, all of whom have worked tirelessly to bring this challenge and who have constructed our case with care, skill and professionalism which will stand us in good stead for the next phase in our campaign.”
Rowan Smith, TASC’s solicitor, said the legal team are advising them on an appeal.
In addition, Suffolk Coastal Friends of the Earth will continue to work with TASC, and ‘focus on saving what [it] can of East Suffolk’s precious wildlife and Heritage Coast’.
Paul Collins, the chairman of Stop Sizewell C, said: “Despite this outcome, Sizewell C is still the wrong project in the wrong place.
“With investors already wary of Sizewell C’s cost and risk, the government should cut its losses, focus on energy efficiency, renewables and storage, and make sure the protected habitats of East Suffolk are safe forever.”
