Energy Review -
Nuclear Power
Any new nuclear power station will have to be proposed,
developed, constructed and operated by the private sector, which will
also meet decommissioning costs.
Mr. Darling said that private companies would not invest without
fundamental reform of the planning process, to prevent objectors stringing
out public inquiries for months on end by arguing whether nuclear power
was needed.
"We will ensure that the energy companies ... are not faced with costly
uncertainties and delay. Local concerns must be taken into consideration,
but the right balance must be struck with the national need for our vital
energy infrastructure."
The Government proposes to issue a statement highlighting the
need for new power stations which will have to be balanced against local views
at planning inquiries. They are likely to be built at the sites of
existing nuclear power stations, which should limit planning objections.
