Sizewell C decision delayed AGAIN
A decision on whether a new nuclear power station should be built on the Suffolk Coast later this month
A long-awaited decision on whether to approve the development of a new multibillion-pound nuclear power station in Suffolk has been delayed until later this month.
The Government had been expected to make an announcement on an application to build Sizewell C, on the Suffolk coast, by Friday.
A brief written statement by Business Minister Paul Scully said: "I have decided to set a new deadline of no later than July 20 for deciding this application.
"This is to ensure there is sufficient time to allow the Secretary of State to consider the proposal."
It is the latest delay to a decision on whether to grant development consent for the nuclear power plant.
If built, it would power the equivalent of about six million homes, as well as support up to 10,000 jobs in Suffolk and across the UK, according to EDF, the energy company behind the project.
In January, the Government announced £100 million of funding to support Sizewell C's continued development, with the move aimed to attract further financing from private investors.
The Suffolk station is part of a fleet of new nuclear power plants that form a key part of the Government's energy strategy, along with offshore wind and hydrogen.
But the plans have prompted protests from environmentalists, including the RSPB who warn it will be built on the Minsmere nature reserve, endangering more than 6,000 species.
Reacting to the delay, Alison Downes of campaign group Stop Sizewell C, said it would have been farcical if a decision on Sizewell C had been made today.
She added: "We also hope that announcements of EDF's re-nationalisation have given ministers pause, especially when EDF's parlous finances are at least in part down to their disastrous track record at building the type of reactors proposed for Sizewell C."