Sizewell C nuclear plant has been given official permission to dispose of radioactive waste and other waste when built.

The Environment Agency has issued three environmental permits for the planned nuclear power station near Leiston.

One is for the disposal and discharge of radioactive waste.

Another permit allows the discharge of seawater used in the cooling water system and of "trade effluents" into the North Sea via Greater Sizewell Bay.

Stop Sizewell C campaigners have objected to the lack of an acoustic device to deter fish in the water discharge permit - claiming thousands of fish a day would die as a result.

Another permit relates to a standby diesel power system.

The company will still have to apply for a number of other environmental permits relating to site investigation, construction works and for relevant “associated developments” such as workers’ accommodation, said the agency.

The Environment Agency's Sizewell C project manager Simon Barlow said: "Today’s decision to issue the three permits for these operational activities comes after 10 years of pre-application discussions, three years of technical assessments and two public consultations.

"In reaching this decision we carefully considered all the responses from a wide range of stakeholders in the local community, national organisations and statutory consultees.

“I would like to thank everyone for contributing their evidence and views and attending our consultation events. We will continue our engagement with the local community as the company moves forward with its plans for construction of the nuclear power station."

By granting the permits many years ahead of Sizewell C operating, the agency said it could "positively influence" the design, procurement, and commissioning of the power station, while ensuring people and the environment are protected.

Stop Sizewell C chairman Paul Collins said they were "disappointed" at the granting of the permits.

"We are especially disappointed with the water discharge permit as, unlike at Hinkley Point C where the government agrees that an Acoustic Fish Deterrent is needed to reduce fish deaths the Environment Agency has decided none is necessary at Sizewell C.

"This will result in thousands of fish dying every day in Sizewell C's cooling system."

Sizewell C safety boss Pete Bryant said:  “We are delighted that our regulator,  the Environment Agency, has granted these three permits which are an important step towards the regulatory permission needed to operate Sizewell C.  

"This is a stamp of confidence in Sizewell C’s commitment to the protection of the environment.”