Nuclear power plant licensing procedures in the United Kingdom

This article summarizes the principle legislation in the UK which controls the design, construction and operation of nuclear reactors, and describes the way in which the requirements of this legislation are met by the two public corporations which own and operate nuclear power plants. The development of siting policies and site selection criteria are described. Reference is also made to the way in which these criteria are used to assess the likely radiological risk to the surrounding population. (author)