The Suffolk & Essex Coast & Heaths National Landscape (the new name for Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) Partnership notes the announcement of the commencement of Sizewell C, a new nuclear power facility to be built in the nationally designated landscape.

While the Partnership has expressed concerns relating to the impact of the project on the National Landscape over many years during consultations and hearings, it recognises that development consent was awarded to the project in July 2022.

The Partnership will work proactively with the Sizewell C company to secure the best possible outcome from the investment of the associated compensation and mitigation funds.

Nick Collinson, Chair of the Partnership said:

“The £12mn of funds offered through the Natural Environment Improvement Fund offer an outstanding opportunity to invest in wildlife and nature on the Suffolk coast. The Partnership welcomes the opportunity to help shape how these funds are invested.”

Cllr Andrew Reid, Chair of the National Landscape Advisory Committee, added:

“The Suffolk coast is going to see perhaps the biggest civil engineering project in a protected landscape in Europe. While there will inevitably there are concerns about the impacts on people and wildlife the decision has been made and we will seek to maximise opportunities arising from it.”