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Sizewell C nuclear plant project upheld by Court of Appeal
- Mariam Issimdar & Brian Farmer
- BBC News & PA Media
Image source, Sizewell C
Government approval of the planned Sizewell C nuclear plant was lawful, the Court of Appeal has ruled.
The court dismissed a legal challenge over the environmental impact of the project, made by campaign group Together Against Sizewell C (TASC).
It had argued that the government failed to consider the need for a water supply when approving the plant in Suffolk.
Sizewell C welcomed the legal decision on the £20bn nuclear power plant.
TASC, jointly with Suffolk Coastal Friends of the Earth and Stop Sizewell C, said in response: "We are dismayed by this decision and struggle to understand how the potable water supply that £30bn and Sizewell C is totally reliant on for its 60 years of operation can be considered lawfully, or indeed rationally, as a separate project."
It added: "Our fight for the soul of Suffolk will continue and we are in discussions with our legal team to consider our plans moving forward."
Image source, Kate Scotter/BBC
The protest group mounted a Court of Appeal fight after losing its High Court legal challenge in June.
TASC objected to a decision made in 2022 by then Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng to give the development the green light.
In a statement, Sizewell C said: "After two previous High Court dismissals on this issue, we welcome today's judgement."
It added: "Following excellent progress of pre-commencement work this year, we're now looking forward to beginning the construction phase in 2024."
Sizewell C said previously it would use energy created at neighbouring nuclear power station Sizewell B to run a desalination plant while construction took place.
However, a permanent water supply had not been arranged yet.
In its statement on Wednesday, Sizewell C said it was to start formal negotiations with Essex & Suffolk Water to help fund the construction of a new water main for the region.
French energy firm EDF, due to develop the project with the government, has said Sizewell C was expected to generate low-carbon electricity to supply six million homes.
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