Consultation outcome: National Policy Statement for new nuclear above 1GW post 2025: siting criteria and process

Updated: Government response published.

National Policy Statements (NPS) establish the case for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, as defined in the Planning Act 2008. The current nuclear power NPS lists 8 sites as potentially suitable for the deployment of new nuclear power stations by the end of 2025.

We are considering the planning framework for nuclear power generation for the long term by starting work towards a new NPS for nuclear power generation for deployment after 2025. The first step towards this new NPS is to consult on the process and criteria for designating potentially suitable sites for the deployment of new nuclear power stations between 2026 to 2035 and with over 1GW of single reactor electricity generating capacity. There will be a further consultation on the draft NPS, which will build on the outcome of this consultation.

As part of the designation of the NPS, an Assessment of Sustainability (AoS) will also be undertaken. The scoping report on the AoS sets out how it will be undertaken, the level and type of information it will cover, and how it will be integrated into the development of the proposed new NPS for nuclear. In accordance with Regulation 12(5) of the Environmental Assessment of Plans and Programmes Regulations 2004, only specific statutory consultees are being consulted on the AoS Scoping Report. However, we have made the scoping report publicly available on this page, for information purposes only.

We are keen for views on the proposed process and criteria from industry, local authorities, regulators and non-departmental public bodies, NGOs and local residents.

Assessment of Sustainability

Only specific statutory consultees are being consulted on the AoS Scoping Report. This consultation is open for the statutory 5 week period and closes on 11 January 2018.



Research and analysis: Small Modular Reactors: Techno-Economic Assessment

In March 2015, government commissioned an independent Techno-Economic Assessment (TEA) of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) in order to contribute to the evidence base and help inform policy decisions.

There are a total of 7 projects that make up the TEA:

  • Project 1: Comprehensive analysis and assessment of SMRs. Led by Atkins
  • Project 2: Systems optimisation modelling for SMRs. Led by the Energy Technologies Institute
  • Project 3: Assessment of emerging SMR technologies. Led by the National Nuclear Laboratory
  • Project 4: Assessment of UK regulatory regime for SMRs. Led by Checkendon Hill
  • Projects 5-7: SMR Cost reduction study. Led by EY
    • Project 5 – Advanced manufacturing
    • Project 6 – Advanced assembly, modularisation and construction
    • Project 7 – Control, operation and electric systems


Collection: Shoreham Adur tidal walls scheme

The Environment Agency is working with Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Adur District Council and West Sussex County Council to reduce the risk of flooding to Shoreham-by-Sea and Lancing.

The scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to over 2,300 homes and 169 commercial properties by significantly improving the standard of existing tidal defences in Shoreham-by-Sea.

The £32 million project is partnership funded, with a £23.8 million contribution from government attracting partnership contributions from West Sussex County Council, Coast to Capital LEP, and some private developers through Adur District Council.



Collection: Shoreham Adur tidal walls scheme

Updated: Amendments to text 15 December 2017.

The Environment Agency is working with Coast to Capital Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), Adur District Council and West Sussex County Council to reduce the risk of flooding to Shoreham-by-Sea and East Lancing.

The scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to over 2,300 homes and 169 commercial properties by significantly improving the standard of existing tidal defences in Shoreham-by-Sea.

The £32 million project is partnership funded, with a £23.8 million contribution from government attracting partnership contributions from West Sussex County Council, Coast to Capital LEP, and some private developers through Adur District Council.



News story: Government launches independent inquiry following the conviction of surgeon Ian Paterson

The inquiry will look at lessons that can be learned from the case, and how these can improve care by the independent healthcare sector across the country. It will be chaired by the Right Reverend Graham James, Bishop of Norwich.

Paterson was a consultant breast surgeon employed by the Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust (HEFT) and had practising privileges in the independent sector at Spire Parkway and Spire Little Aston.

He was found guilty in April this year of 17 counts of wounding patients with intent. He was sentenced to jail for 20 years.

The scope of the investigation has been widened to include the independent sector, including any further action needed to strengthen CQC’s inspection regime.

Philip Dunne, Health Minister, said:

Ian Paterson’s malpractice sent shockwaves across the health system due to the seriousness and extent of his crimes, and I am determined to make sure lessons are learnt from this so that it never happens again in the independent sector or the NHS.

I believe an independent, non-statutory inquiry, overseen by Bishop Graham James, is the right way forward to ensure that all aspects of this case are brought to light and lessons learned so we can better protect patients in the future.

The inquiry will also draw on issues raised in previous reviews about Ian Paterson’s conduct, particularly Sir Ian Kennedy’s review on behalf of HEFT and Verita’s investigation into the governance arrangements at two Spire Healthcare hospitals.

The Right Revd Graham James, Lord Bishop of Norwich, said:

The actions of Ian Paterson and the grievous harm he inflicted on patients are deeply concerning, and they have given rise to some serious questions which remain unanswered.

It is vital that the inquiry be informed by the concerns of former patients of Ian Paterson and their representatives. The interests of all patients, whether they seek treatment in the NHS or the private sector, should be at the heart of this inquiry and I will do my very best in the interest of those affected and the public.

The inquiry will be informed by the victims of Paterson and their families, and is likely to consider:

  • the responsibility for the quality of care in the independent sector
  • appraisal and ensuring validation of staff in the independent sector
  • the safety of multi-disciplinary working
  • information sharing, reporting of activity and raising concerns between the independent sector and the NHS
  • the role of insurers of independent sector healthcare providers (including how data it holds about the scope and volume of work carried out by doctors is shared with the sector)
  • arrangements for medical indemnity cover for clinicians in the independent sector

The Inquiry will be formally established from January 2018 and is expected to report in summer 2019. The terms of reference and other arrangements relating to how the Inquiry will be conducted – including the exact scope it will cover and how it will work within the system – will be announced at a future date.