Sizewell C pledges £25M to protect Suffolk’s A12 from flooding.
- The funds will contribute to a large-scale £59M flood defence project.
- The initiative includes new pumping stations, embankments, and a saltmarsh.
- Local stakeholders such as the Environment Agency support the project.
- Concerns remain about the site’s long-term flood risk.
Sizewell C has announced a significant financial contribution of £25M to the Benacre and Kessingland Managed Realignment Scheme, a project aimed at safeguarding the A12 road from frequent flooding events. This initiative, with an overall budget of £59M, is a collaborative effort involving Suffolk County Council, the Environment Agency, and the Regional Flood and Coastal Committee. The project aims to protect local properties and farmland while enhancing infrastructure resilience.
Key components of the scheme include the development of two new pumping stations, extensive drains, embankments linking the A12 to the coast, and the creation of an 82-hectare saltmarsh. The saltmarsh is expected to improve local biodiversity, providing public access for walkers and nature enthusiasts, while serving a crucial role in defending against sea water encroachment. It is anticipated that these measures will significantly reduce road closures due to flooding, an essential consideration given the A12’s role in supporting Sizewell C’s operations.
The timeline set for the project is ambitious, with construction scheduled to commence in 2025 and expected completion by autumn 2029. The water management component will be managed by the Waveney, Lower Yare & Lothingland Internal Drainage Board, with consultancy input from Stantec, which is charged with detailed design and consent work for coastal flood defences.
Stantec’s involvement is aimed at not only mitigating flood risks but also at contributing to climate change resilience through habitat creation. Their director, Simon Darch, emphasised the project’s capacity to deliver a multitude of benefits to people, wildlife, and the environment.
Despite these planned benefits, there are ongoing concerns from advocacy groups regarding the wisdom of constructing the Sizewell C nuclear facility in a flood-prone area. The apprehension is centred on the suitability and economic implications of such a decision, given the area’s vulnerability to natural events.
High-level discussions are ongoing regarding the financial underpinnings of Sizewell C, with the final investment decision anticipated in 2025. Deliberations include engagement with potential investors like Centrica and Schroders Greencoat, amidst political and economic scrutiny.
The strategic investment in Suffolk’s flood defences highlights the intricate balance between infrastructural development and environmental management.
