FRENCH-owned EDF has today started to progress its proposals for a new nuclear power station on the Suffolk coast.

Officials have sent a draft Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC) to both the county council and Suffolk Coastal District Council for its plans for Sizewell C.

The document outlines how the energy company is hoping to engage with members of the public.

It is now inviting both authorities to comment on its proposed consultation programme and highlight any areas that may or may not need improving.

EDF Energy will then consider the councils’ comments before publishing a final SoCC with details of the final consultation programme, which bosses hope to start by the end of November.

Consulting on a draft SoCC is a requirement of the Planning Act 2008 and marks the first formal stage in the consultation process.

Richard Mayson, director of planning and external affairs for EDF Energy Nuclear New Build, said: “We are very pleased to signal the start of our formal consultation for Sizewell C. It demonstrates our clear intent to progress our role at the forefront of the UK’s nuclear renaissance.

EDF Energy is hoping to build two European Pressurised Reactors (EPRs) at Sizewell C - costing around �6bn with a total generating capacity of 3,200 MW, enough power to supply five million homes.

Thousands of jobs are expected to be created during the six or seven year construction period, while operating staff will number 900 people, 200 of them contractors.