ELECTRICITY bosses will tomorrow release the first details of their plans to build a new nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast.

EDF Energy will make public its initial proposals and options for Sizewell C - which will then be subject to a lengthy consultation period. The documents will outline the impact the development could have on the nearby town of Leiston and surrounding communities.

Last year the Government earmarked Sizewell as a designated site for new nuclear build and French-owned EDF confirmed it hoped to build a new power station next to the existing Sizewell B.

EDF Energy wants to see two European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs) at Sizewell C – costing around �6billion and generating enough power to supply five million homes.

Bosses claim the project will be worth �100m a year to the local economy while it is being built and �40m a year thereafter. Thousands of jobs area also expected to be created during the six or seven-year construction period, while operating staff will number 900 people, 200 of them contractors.

Details have already been released regarding dates and venues for 12 community engagement exhibition events, during which people can find out more about the consultation process and finally have their say. The first two exhibitions will take place in Leiston with further events in Theberton, Westleton, Saxmundham, Yoxford, Stratford St Andrew, Southwold, Halesworth, Wickham Market, Aldeburgh and Melton.

However, opponents believe nuclear power is unsafe and the plans should not go ahead, with money instead invested in renewable energy technologies.

N See tomorrow’s EADT for full details of the proposals.