East Suffolk Council
Challenges faced by new nuclear - Conference
The challenges faced by councils where new nuclear plants are planned is the subject of a special three-day national conference.
The New Nuclear Local Authorities Group Conference 2017 is being held at Summergrove, Whitehaven, in Cumbria, and is being hosted by Copeland Borough Council, from Wednesday 8th March until Friday March 10th.
The New Nuclear Local Authorities Group (NNLAG) consists of 15 Local Authorities from across the UK who are likely to be affected by and benefit from proposals for new nuclear power stations either within or close to their boundaries.
Chair of the NNLAG, Councillor Geoff Holdcroft, Deputy Leader of Suffolk Coastal District Council, said:
“Hosting a major national infrastructure project, such as a new nuclear power station, has a massive impact on any area.”
“Whilst we support the need for these projects in principle, it is important that we local authorities work together to maximise the benefits for our communities, while minimising the negative impacts.”
“Conferences such as this have an essential role to play in us sharing best practice and presenting a united front to the Government and the major multinational companies proposing these new power stations.”
The NNLAG’s primary aim is to share knowledge, information and best practice regarding the process of developing new nuclear power stations from a local authority perspective, and to provide a mechanism for local authorities, as elected representatives of local areas, to discuss and make representations as necessary direct to Government regarding the development of new nuclear and of nuclear-related connection and transmission projects.
The Conference has a wide agenda and items that will be discussed include the housing, transport, skills and tourism impacts of nuclear new build. There will also be an opportunity for delegates to hear updates from local authority colleagues on proposals in their areas including Hinkley Point in Somerset, Wylfa in Anglesey and Sizewell in Suffolk. In addition, delegates will hear the latest information on the proposals from NuGeneration Ltd for the Moorside project in Copeland.
Elected Mayor Mike Starkie commented:
“I am very pleased to welcome this important group to Copeland. The work of the NNLAG ensures that the combination of Local Authorities with a vested interest in matters new nuclear meet together to share their knowledge and expertise and moreover provide an interface with Government “