A leading Suffolk hotelier has voiced fears that the construction of Sizewell C could deter huge numbers of tourists from visiting the county – and that many may never return.

East Anglian Daily Times: Hotelier Michael Pritt , owner of The Wentworth in Aldeburgh, has deep concerns about the impact of Sizewell C on tourism in the coastal area. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNHotelier Michael Pritt , owner of The Wentworth in Aldeburgh, has deep concerns about the impact of Sizewell C on tourism in the coastal area. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Michael Pritt says the £14billion ten-year project to build the twin reaction will cause “irreparable damage and destroy this part of Suffolk as we know it now”.

Mr Pritt, who owns the Wentworth hotel, in Aldeburgh, and stresses he is not anti nuclear, has labelled the project Sizewell C and D as it will feature two reactors.

He said: “Not only will these plans have an enormous physical impact on the Suffolk countryside and coast but also have a drastic impact on the tourism in the area.

“The argument of increased employment opportunities has often been used to justify this tearing apart of our countryside but jobs connected to tourism far outweigh those provided by EDF and many of these jobs will be in jeopardy.

East Anglian Daily Times: A computer-generated image of how the Sizewell nuclear complex would look after construction of Sizewell C. Image: EDF EnergyA computer-generated image of how the Sizewell nuclear complex would look after construction of Sizewell C. Image: EDF Energy (Image: Archant)

“Anyone in a tourist-related business who is rubbing their hands together in glee at the thought of business to be gained from Sizewell C and D needs to ask themselves why tourists would want to visit this area once construction starts and would they ever return when Sizewell C and D is completed.

“The construction compound, also situated near Eastbridge and the Minsmere bird reserve, will destroy ancient walks and bridleways, woodlands and marshes. An access road is planned which will cross the Sizewell marshes, a stunning part of our countryside and irreplaceable.

“The sheer scale of destruction is truly unimaginable and by the time you see it happening it will be too late to do anything to save it.”

An EDF Energy spokeswoman said: “More than 3,500 people took part in the Sizewell C Stage 2 consultation. Each issue raised will now be considered and used to help inform final proposals which will be subject to further consultation.

“EDF Energy works with the Suffolk Coast Destination Management Organisation and the group is represented on the project Community Forum to ensure their views are shared.

“We recognise that the construction of Sizewell C will have benefits and impacts so our focus is on consultation and learning from stakeholders so we can maximise the benefits.”