Campaigners against Sizewell C say they will not give up their fight to stop the nuclear power project and now have a date for a High Court case in London.
The next stage of the legal challenge against the plans for the £25billion power station is set to take place with an oral hearing before a judge.
Campaign groups, including Stop Sizewell C and Together Against Sizewell C (TASC), have pledged to fight despite chancellor Jeremy Hunt announcing in his Autumn Budget that the Government would continue to provide £700m towards the cost of the project.
Chris Wilson, legal liaison officer with TASC, said the oral hearing would be held on December 14, during which the campaigners’ barrister will be able to present their arguments against the project before a High Court judge.
If the judge deems there’s a case, the next stage will be a formal judicial review hearing before the High Court, which could result in the development consent for the nuclear power station, granted by the Government in July, being overturned.
Even if the legal challenge is rejected at the oral hearing, the campaigners will still have the option of going to appeal.
A first stage review of the legal appeal by the High Court initially recommended refusal, but the next stage, the oral hearing, will determine whether the challenge goes to a formal judicial review hearing.
Mr Wilson said: “We are certainly not giving up. TASC will continue with our legal action to the end. The Sizewell C project has a long way to go as it needs numerous permits and licences from the Office for Nuclear Regulation and the Environment Agency.
“The Final Investment Decision is not expected for another 18 months and there is great doubt as to whether such a risky project will find sufficient private investor finance that is needed to fund the 60% of the construction costs which will not be met by EDF and the government.”
Alison Downes, of Stop Sizewell C, said: "Last week the chancellor had the opportunity to stop good money being thrown after bad on this project, but since he failed to do so this legal challenge carries even greater importance.
“It's fitting that it should be heard in the High Court, because Sizewell C is a national issue.
“The nuclear tax will see the high risk, enormous cost and slow speed of construction translated into more money charged to every person who pays an electricity bill, whether we live in the area or not."
The Government is due to sign the initial investment contract for the project within weeks.
Sizewell C/EDF was unavailable for comment.
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