Campaigners have pledged to fight on after the High Court rejected their appeal against the Government’s decision to approve the new Sizewell C nuclear power station.
Together Against Sizewell C (TASC) and other campaign groups are seeking an oral hearing through the judicial review process after an initial assessment by the legal authority deemed the appeal should be rejected.
The review of the approval had been sought on the grounds that the decision was unlawful amid concerns about the maintenance of a water supply to the new £20bn station and the resilience of the coastline.
The provision of fresh water to the site was one of the key issues raised by the Planning Inspectorate when considering the plans.
TASC chair Pete Wilkinson described the rejection verdict as ‘predictable and wholly unreasonable,’ adding there appeared to be a ‘presumption’ that judicial reviews should be dismissed rather than used as a forum for democracy.
He added: "But our resolve is only strengthened by this minor setback. It has made us more determined than ever to use the High Court procedure to seek an oral hearing of our case which we believe is strong and comprehensive.
"The site is potentially unstable, vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, there is no drinking water supply for the development; the cumulative environmental impact will be intolerable, devastating and permanent, flying directly in the face of the government's 25-year environmental policy, the Environment Act and any transparent attempts to build a 'greener economy.'
Alison Downes, of campaigners Stop Sizewell C, added: "With the UK's parlous financial position and the Chancellor's warning that 'eye-wateringly difficult' decisions will need to be made to save money, here is an easy one- cancel Sizewell C.
"Renewables and energy efficiency will help us achieve energy security far more cheaply and quickly, and create many thousands of genuinely green jobs in the process."
A Sizewell C spokesman said: “We are delighted that the judge refused permission for a judicial review to be undertaken of Government’s decision to approve Sizewell C. Sizewell C was granted planning consent in July with the planning inspectorate stating that the substantial benefits of the project will outweigh the potential impacts.
“Sizewell C will deliver energy security and a massive boost in skills and training with thousands of new jobs and contracts for businesses and the opportunity to create new clean technologies across the supply chain. The project will leave a lasting positive legacy in Suffolk and beyond – and we remain entirely committed to delivering it.’’
The new power station is set to produce enough power for six million homes once it is completed.
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