Leader of Suffolk County Council Mark Bee and Guy McGregor at the notorious Farnham bend.

A NEW by-pass for the four villages along the A12 remains vital if Sizewell C is to go ahead – that’s the position that is set to be re-affirmed by local authorities in the area over the next few weeks.

The county council’s cabinet is set to confirm the view outlined by senior officials and leading councillors over the recent months that the by-pass around the villages of Farnham, Stratford St Andrew, Little Glemham, and Marlesford is vital if the project is to get full backing from the authority.

Its meeting on January 29 is expected to say that while it supports the construction of Sizewell C in principle, there needs to be much more done for local communities – and to ensure there are enough jobs and training for local people.

Guy McGregor, the county’s cabinet member for planning and transport, said: “Through this response we are trying to reflect the views of Suffolk, not just the county council.

“We’ve worked with Suffolk Coastal District Council to consult local businesses, town and parish councils and, of course residents, to form our views.

“EDF is at risk of snatching defeat from the jaws of victory if it doesn’t listen to calls for investment in infrastructure and community facilities. They must take due note of the views being expressed.

“We support the development of Sizewell C and we want to do right by the country in terms of its long term energy needs.

“But we also want to make sure Sizewell does right by Suffolk and doesn’t leave the county short-changed from this significant development.”

The county’s position was made clear by Mr McGregor and his fellow councillors within hours of EDF’s proposals for Sizewell C being published in November.

However the cabinet meeting will enshrine them in county council policy.

The cabinet also says the only park and ride site acceptable to the north of the power station would be that suggested for Darsham railway station – and to the south there needs to be further investigation of both Woodbridge and Wickham Market sites.

It will back plans for a rail terminal on the Sizewell C site, but warns that the route to the terminal must cause as little damage as possible to the countryside.