Campaigners lose bid to block Sizewell C

Sizewell C was granted a nuclear site licence in May

A campaign group has lost a High Court bid to challenge a regulator's decision to issue a licence for the Sizewell C nuclear site in Suffolk.

Theberton and Eastbridge Action Group on Sizewell Limited (TEAGS) claimed that the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) unlawfully failed to include sea defences in its considerations when issuing a nuclear site licence for the development.

Barristers for TEAGS told a hearing on Tuesday that the legal challenge over the decision should be allowed to continue while opposition lawyers said it should be thrown out.

In a ruling, Mrs Justice Lieven dismissed the claim, ruling that the challenge had "no chance of success" and was "totally without merit".

Sea defences

The project was granted a nuclear site licence in May and the ONR said "outstanding matters" had been resolved.

Philip Coppel KC, for TEAGS, said in written submissions the challenge to the issuing of the nuclear licence was "arguable" as the licence does not cover the event of an accident or other emergencies in respect of sea defences.

In court, he said: "Sea defences have the obvious potential to affect safety."

Rose Grogan, for the ONR, said in written submissions that evidence "in a number of detailed technical assessment reports" indicated that issues with the sea defences "can be addressed post-licensing".

She continued that the challenge was "bound to fail" and should be thrown out.

The French energy company, EDF, plans to build a two-reactor nuclear power station on the site, which could generate 3.2 gigawatts of energy and power about six million homes.

In August the Labour government established a £5.5bn subsidy scheme for Sizewell C.

A spokesperson from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said the funds would "provide certainty and ensure the project has access to the necessary financial support to remain on track".

A final investment decision for the project is expected in 2025.

Alison Downes of Stop Sizewell C has called the project "deeply flawed"

TEAGS, which campaigns under the name Stop Sizewell C, said it was disappointed with the result.

Alison Downes, from the group, said: "It remains the case that we are deeply concerned about this issue.

"There is still no final design of the sea defences let alone guarantees that the construction is feasible.

"We thank our legal team and supporters and are considering our position."