Planning issues in nuclear projects

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Nuclear projects (including new build, extensions/modifications, waste management and decommissioning) can raise a mix of planning and specialist regulatory issues. In England and Wales, large-scale nuclear electricity generation is typically consented through the nationally significant infrastructure project (NSIP) regime under the Planning Act 2008 (PA 2008), rather than under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (TCPA 1990). See Practice Note: The planning regime for nuclear new build in England and Wales.

In addition to planning control, nuclear projects usually require approvals under the nuclear safety, environmental permitting and security regimes (for example, nuclear site licensing and permitting for radioactive discharges and waste).See Practice Note: The planning regime for nuclear new build in England and Wales.

Planning policy

Energy NPSs (England and Wales)

For nuclear NSIPs, the starting point is the suite of energy National Policy Statements (NPSs), designated under the PA 2008, which are the primary policy documents for decision-making on development consent. See Practice Note: The planning regime for nuclear new build in England and Wales—Planning policy.

Key current NPSs include:

  1. •

    the Overarching NPS for Energy (EN-1),

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