Government nuclear policy and Nuclear Inspectorate objections considered at Call In Inquiry
A call in planning inquiry, which opened in October, is considering an application to develop housing by Cala homes near to the MOD nuclear facility in Aldermaston in Hampshire. It is the first time that the Nuclear Installations Inspectorate (part of the HSE) has appeared at a planning inquiry in its 50 year existence.
The inquiry is considering a range of objections by the HSE which relate to the risk of radiation accidents, emergency preparedness and the implications of extant and emerging government nuclear policy on development proposals near nuclear licensed sites. The inquiry is set to continue in early December 2010 prior to the Secretary of State considering the report of his inspector in 2011. Tom Cosgrove is appearing for the planning authority. Russell Harris QC appears for the HSE and Robert Griffiths QC for the applicant.