Sizewell B: consent application for Britain's first PWR power station

The Central Electricity Generating Board has applied to the Secretary of State for Energy for consent and for other necessary permissions to construct a nuclear power station of about 1200 MW output capacity based on the pressurised water reactor (PWR) system on the Board's existing site at Sizewell (near Leiston) in Suffolk to be known as Sizewell B. Application has also been made to the Health and Safety Executive to extend the existing nuclear site licence to permit the use of the site for a pressurised water reactor. The Secretary of State for Energy has already stated that a Public Inquiry will be held into the application and this is expected to take place in 1982. The Board is making these applications now to give ample time for public discussion and consultation. Construction of the station could not begin until the outcome of the Public Inquiry is known and the necessary consents, nuclear licence and clearances have been given. The text of the application is presented. Some background information is given. (author)