East Suffolk Council is inviting people to have their say on guidance that has been drafted to support where the workforce of major energy projects will live in the district.
The Draft Major Energy Projects Accommodation Planning Position Statement sets out the Council’s planning position on housing for the workforce of energy-related National Significant Infrastructure Projects in East Suffolk. Primarily focusing on Sizewell C, the Statement also recognises to the windfarm projects like East Anglia 2 (EA2) and National Grid energy projects Sea Link and LionLink.
With workforces needed for the construction phases of these projects and not all workers based locally, having access to and finding accommodation within a reasonable distance to their place of work is an important factor, particularly to those on longer-term contracts.
Cllr Mark Packard, East Suffolk’s cabinet member for Planning and Coastal Management, said: “Given the scale of energy projects happening here in East Suffolk and the thousands of construction workers needed, some impacts are inevitable. The Council is therefore taking a proactive approach to try to appropriately manage current and future workforce accommodation needs and minimise the impacts on the private rented sector and tourism accommodation from this extra pressure.
“While the Planning Position Statement doesn’t amend or replace existing Local Plan policies or create new policies, the document updates the evidence that we currently have and highlights the important material planning considerations we need to take when determining planning applications.
“We’re inviting residents, local businesses and other organisations to share their views. By taking part, you can ensure that the approach we take to assessing new worker accommodation proposals requiring planning permission in the energy industry is clear and effective.”
The public can take part in the consultation from Thursday 22 January until the closing date of 5pm of Thursday 26 February.
Read the Position Statement.
Comments can be submitted via the online portal or by emailing planningpolicy@eastsuffolk.gov.uk. Responses can also be posted to: Planning Policy and Delivery Team, Riverside, 4 Canning Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0EQ.