Parish Council Monthly email update November 2023
Project overview
Pre-commencement works as outlined in the Development Consent Order have continued this month. This has included removing trees and vegetation at the main site and creating a bell-mouth access to the Ancillary Construction Area (ACA) which is the site just off King Georges Avenue.
The pre-commencement work (off Lovers Lane) continues to progress. A 30mph speed limit has been introduced on this part of the road, which is enforceable and permanent. There will be further, temporary, traffic management measures put in place as work continues in the area.
Lovers Lane speed restrictions now in place
The reduction in the speed limit on Lovers Lane from the national speed limit (60mph) to 30mph, was implemented on Tuesday 31 October. This was introduced along Lovers Lane between the B1122 and the Recycling Centre. Initially, the limits will be seen on A-frame signs and then replaced by standard road furniture signage at the end of November.
The speed limit forms part of the Development Consent Order (DCO) consent for Sizewell C and will be an enforceable 30mph speed limit to improve the safe flow of traffic along this section of Lovers Lane.
Traffic management is in place on Lovers Lane alongside the current preparation works. These works require single lane traffic management with traffic lights in place.
Fen Meadow creation
Work on the Wet Woodland and Fen Meadow Habitat at Benhall and Sternfield has progressed but has been hampered by recent weather. The team will be demobilising from the site in the coming weeks and will restart work in the spring when ground conditions have improved.
The work to create the Fen Meadow in Pakenham will see surveys taking place throughout November.
Wild Aldhurst works
Part of the ongoing preparatory works for Sizewell C is to establish an area for the diversion of Bridleway 19 and the water management zone off Lovers Lane. An area of approximately 2.25km
2 of the North-East corner of Wild Aldhurst in the Main Development site boundary (opposite the turning to Kenton Hills car park) will be cleared with grass and hedge trimming. The area is also being checked and cleared of any explosive ordnance (UXOs). Once this is complete, archaeology teams will establish trial trenches which will measure 20 metres long and 1 - 2 metres wide.
All necessary work will be conducted under supervision of an Ecological Clerk of Works, including surveys for nesting birds, bats and badgers, which will be carried out in accordance with protected species licence conditions where they apply.
Ancillary Construction Area – King Georges Avenue, Leiston
Sizewell C has acquired the land east of Eastlands Industrial Estate, off King Georges Avenue and Lovers Lane. We continue to carry out preparatory work which has included vegetation clearance. This has involved creating a site entrance off King Georges Avenue. The space will provide accommodation, sidings off the railway line, office space and a caravan park once the project commences. Ongoing works have necessitated temporary traffic management measures.
Reminder: Q4 Neighbourhood Fund open for applications
The Sizewell C Neighbourhood Fund has been established to strengthen links with local communities. This is a separate fund from the Community Fund that is outlined in the Deed Of Obligation.
A fund of £10,000 is available for projects which deliver a direct benefit to people living within 10 miles of the proposed development sites for Sizewell C. Sizewell B also has a long-standing annual Community Fund of £10,000.
The Sizewell C Neighbourhood Fund is open all year for applications. These are reviewed and notified quarterly throughout the year.
szc_neighbourhood_fund_application_guidance_2023.pdf (sizewellc.com)Parish Council meetings
Our Community Relations team continued their schedule of meetings to give updates on the project’s progress. Recent meetings have taken place with Melton, Saxmundham, Darsham, Friston, Knodishall, Dunwich, Blaxhall and Walberswick Councils. We are looking forward to visiting: -
Campsea Ashe Parish Council - Tuesday 21 November
Woodbridge Town Council - Wednesday 22 November
Iken Parish Council - Wednesday 22 November
Blythburgh Parish Council - Monday 27 November
Snape Parish Council - Tuesday 28 November
Kelsale Parish Council - Wednesday 29 November
Governance outline and next steps
As we proceed with the pre-commencement works, we’re doing further work in the background to ensure that we are ready to discharge the DCO in 2024. This includes ensuring the governance of the project is set up. This also includes the annual Community Forum, Southern and Northern Transport Forums and Main Site Forums are ready to be implemented, alongside the many associated working groups and steering groups. These forums and working groups will provide a way for Sizewell C and representatives of the local community to discuss key topics as the build commences.
Works Tracker website
We continue to update our works tracker website with all the current works and traffic management that is in place:
Track a Project - Sizewell C Works Tracker (szcworkstracker.co.uk) Finally, we are holding a community event at Leiston Abbey, please join us on the 2nd December: