Five signs Sizewell C is gearing up for go-ahead

Sizewell C nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast is still awaiting a final investment decision, but there are five signs that preparation work for a possible go-ahead is ramping up.

Groundwork began this summer on the site north-east of Wickham Market, intended to intercept workforce traffic coming from the south and west of the A12.

It will also contain a postal consolidation building to handle and process postal deliveries for the Sizewell C main development site.

Bosses have announced one million square feet of storage and access space has been leased at Orwell Logistics Park, on the A14 just outside Ipswich.

Nigel Cann, Sizewell C joint managing director, said: "After starting formal construction this year, this is yet another big step forward for Sizewell C.

"The site is an excellent solution for our logistics and freight management."

Yellow electronic road signs have been put up beside the A12 at Blythburgh, advising drivers heading to the Sizewell C site near Leiston what route they should take.

In May Yoxford Parish Council announced resurfacing work on the B1122 had been completed.

A speed limit reduction scheme is now in place between Yoxford and Leiston to "further improve safety and reduce noise and vibrations in advance of the Sizewell Link Road being built".

The council said the 30mph speed limit would be in place until the link road was operational, which it said would be used by all Sizewell C construction vehicles.

With "formal construction* now under way, the Sizewell C site has now been clearly marked with official, albeit temporary, signage.

However, it emerged this summer that an investment decision on Sizewell C may not be made this year by the new Labour government.

The previous Conservative government said it would secure funding this year for the power plant and £2.5bn has already been spent on the project.

A spokesperson for Sizewell C said the project continued "to make good progress on all fronts, including financing".

They added: "We're very pleased that the expanding work on our construction site means we are already creating jobs and bringing other benefits to East Suffolk."

The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the government was committed to the project but did not comment on when a decision on the funding would be made when asked by the BBC.

“We are committed to Sizewell C, which will play an important role in helping the UK achieve energy security and clean power, while securing thousands of good, skilled jobs," a government spokesperson said.

The official cost of the project has been put at £20bn and the project will be partly funded by French energy company EDF.

In July campaigners against Sizewell C mounted a High Court challenge over the Office for Nuclear Regulation's licence to build the power station.

Stop Sizewell C is challenging the safety of the site due to sea levels potentially rising faster than previously thought because of climate change.

The group says vital elements of the project have been excluded form the Nuclear Site Licence.

Alison Downes of the group said she hoped ministers were taking the time to "reconsider their support".

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