Since November 2020 we have been providing technical expertise for a major infrastructure project. Sizewell C nuclear power station – if it goes ahead – will be one of the largest construction projects in Europe.
East Suffolk Council approached us to assess potential noise and vibration. With the main site occupying a large area of land, construction could take twelve years to complete. Our input was particularly important as the site is in a relatively quiet location.
The project would involve large amounts of materials to be moved by rail and road. Two new roads are proposed to serve construction road freight, along with the creation of two temporary Park & Ride sites for construction staff.
Assessments
East Suffolk Council called upon us to scrutinise a series of noise and vibration impact assessments which had been submitted as part of the Development Consent Order application.
We carried out detailed reviews of all the main assessment documents and liaised with the Applicant’s technical specialists to examine their proposals. It was crucial to reach agreement on appropriate noise reduction schemes, and we presented technical evidence at hearings organised by The Planning Inspectorate.
Planning Inspectorate
The application is still being considered by The Planning Inspectorate. Regardless of the final decision, we are proud to have provided a significant level of advice to East Suffolk Council for this nationally-significant infrastructure project. In particular, if the development does go ahead, we are satisfied that we did everything possible to alleviate noise and vibration.
Summing up our input to the project, Andrew Reynolds (Environmental Protection Manager, East Suffolk Council) remarked that “it could not have gone better”.
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