Draft national policy statement for nuclear power generation (EN-6)

This draft national policy statement (NPS) reiterates the Government's policy on the need for new nuclear power in England and Wales set out in "Meeting the energy challenge: a white paper on nuclear power" (Cm. 7296, 2008, ISBN 9780101729628). A strategic siting assessment has taken place in 2009 and informs this draft NPS.

This document outlines the policy on assessment of development consent applications to be followed by the Infrastructure Planning Commission; policy on consideration of alternative sites and the Government's policy on the siting of nuclear power stations; and, management and disposability of radioactive waste.

Policy and guidance for the IPC when considering nuclear specific impacts and siting issues is also covered.

The bulk of the NPS deals with detailed assessment of the ten sites nominated as part of the strategic siting process: Bradwell; Braystones; Hartlepool; Heysham; Hinkley Point; Kirkstanton; Oldbury; Sellafield; and, Sizewell, Wylfa.

All are at or near existing nuclear power facilities.