The outcomes of judicial reviews into the new Sizewell C nuclear power station and energy firm ScottishPower Renewables' plans to route wind farm cables through the Suffolk countryside may not be known for months.
Campaign group Suffolk Energy Action Solutions (SEAS) was due to hear on Wednesday (May 24) whether its legal challenge to a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the wind farms had been successful in the High Court.
READ MORE: Suffolk: Project linked to wind power set to change
However, Fiona Gilmore, founder of SEAS, said it appeared the presiding judge Mr Justice David Holgate had a high workload and a decision could take months, not weeks, to be made.
The same judge also has jurisdiction over a legal challenge brought by campaign group Together Against Sizewell C (TASC) over the environmental impact of the Sizewell C project, particularly the disposal of nuclear waste and the provision of a water supply to the station.
READ MORE: Energy minister hears Suffolk wind farm cable concerns
Following the High Court hearing, Fiona said: "Whilst judgment was reserved, Mr Justice Holgate was engaged and hands-on throughout, making regular interventions and asking many detailed questions.
"Justice Holgate was unable to give any indication on timing. However, as he has yet to pass judgment on the Sizewell C judicial review, which was held around two months ago, it seems unlikely that we will hear any time soon."
READ MORE: Leiston news
ScottishPower Renewables is planning to route cables from the East Anglia ONE and TWO offshore wind farms through part of east Suffolk.
Two eight-acre substations are being planned at Friston which will take some of the cabling from the two wind farms, stoking fears among campaigners, including SEAS, about the impact on the village and surrounding countryside.
Sizewell C is set to provide power for six million homes at a cost of £25bn, of which the Government has pledged £700 million as part of its 'Powering Up Britain' strategy.
READ MORE: Suffolk news
A Sizewell C spokesperson said: "We continue to make good progress with advanced works for Sizewell C as we prepare to deliver this essential project that has both Government and local community support."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here