2. Although separate applications must be made for the generating station and the grid upgrade. Government believes that both applications should be considered under the same inquiry, where practicable
3. The Government proposes that the most appropriate process for discussion of whether there is a need for nuclear power is at a national level, in the proposed policy framework, which includes a Statement of Need and will be formalised in a White Paper. Planning inquiries should not focus on whether there is a need for nuclear power
4. The Government has gathered and assessed considerable amounts of evidence on these issues [economic; environmental; climate change; security of energy supply; safety; site security and radiological issues including waste] and the potential role that nuclear could play in helping the UK meet its energy policy goals
5. Taking all these issues into account, the Government has concluded that nuclear has a role to play in the future UK generating mix alongside other low carbon generating options.
6. Planning inspectors would therefore have the ability to decide not to allow discussion of these issues at the inquiry, as they would have already taken place elsewhere.
7. (1) Matters of government policy were not suitable for criticism and investigation at the inquiries. It was not my function to evaluate or to seek to make or to alter such policy. My function was to ascertain what the policy was and to apply it in reaching conclusions.
8. (2) In this context the concept of policy is wide and may encompass matters of general or national application which go beyond the normally accepted meaning of what is an expression of policy.
9. (3) It was necessary that relevant government policy should be explained in clear terms to the inquiries..[by the Dept. of Energy].
10. (4) There may be areas of general or national importance relevant to the application for consent where there is no clearly expressed policy or where policy is in an inchoate form. In such a case it is my duty to consider, report upon and, when possible, reach conclusions on the evidence relating to these areas.
11. (5) It was open to objectors to contend that an exception should be made to any general government policy in the circumstances of this particular application for consent. It is my duty to report upon and find any necessary facts relating to such contentions. I am not bound to reach a conclusion on whether such contentions should be accepted.
12. (6) The exact dividing line between what is and what is not suitable for investigation at inquiries in accordance with the above principles is uncertain. In any case of real doubt the matter raised should be investigated.
13. Strategic Siting Assessment to set out criteria for deciding on potential sites (and indicate how potential sites meet these criteria) where the Government would accept new nuclear build.
14. This Strategic Siting Assessment is to start in early 2007. Site criteria will be decided before any applications are considered
15. Any new nuclear stations would be proposed, constructed and operated by the private sector. Industry has indicated that the most viable sites for new build are likely to be adjacent to existing nuclear power plants. It will be up to the potential participants of new build to discuss with the owners appropriate access to suitable sites. We will undertake a further assessment which will help developers in identifying the most suitable sites. Government will monitor whether an appropriate market in suitable sites is developing.
16. British-Energy Nuclear Decommissioning Authority
Sizewell B Sizewell A Winfrith
Hinkley B Hinkley A Trawsfynydd
Dungeness B Dungeness A Sellafield etc
Hunterston B Hunterston A Dounreay
Heysham 1 Wylfa
Heysham 2 Bradwell
Hartlepool Berkeley
Torness Oldbury
17. Good idea pity about the site
18. Good idea pity about the site
19. Good idea pity about the wires & pipes
20. Good site, good wires & pipes, pity about the access
