| NDA launches land disposal process at Sellafield | | Print | |
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The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) today announces the start of the disposal process for land adjacent to the nuclear site at Sellafield in Cumbria. On 29th April 2009, the NDA announced that it had successfully completed the sale process for land adjacent to three of its sites, at Wylfa in Anglesey, Bradwell in Essex and Oldbury in Gloucestershire. Following this sale, and consistent with its strategy to dispose of surplus property with a view to securing value for the UK taxpayer, the NDA today announces its intention to dispose of land adjacent to its existing site at Sellafield in Cumbria. The NDA expects to conclude the sale process this year. John Clarke, NDA Commercial Director, said: “The NDA’s land adjacent to Sellafield has outstanding potential as a site for new development. The NDA recognises the interest generated in its first phase land sale, and looks forward to engaging with interested parties as it continues in its strategy of maximising value from its assets for the benefit of the UK taxpayer.” NDA expects to sell some of the approximate 250 hectares (618 acres) included in the recent nomination to the Department of Energy and Climate Change’s Strategic Siting Assessment. The first step in the sale process will be for all potential bidders to return a compliant Expression of Interest, signed Confidentiality Agreement and Data Room Rules which can be accessed on the NDA website: www.nda.gov.uk. The process will be open to interested parties who submit compliant proposals satisfying the conditions set out in the Request for Expressions of Interest. However, the NDA reserves the right to exclude parties at any stage who do not offer a reasonable prospect of delivering value. Participants in the process will be given the opportunity to visit the land for sale, evaluate the opportunity and perform due diligence. The NDA will assess bids on the basis of value for money on a disposal of public assets. The NDA will wish to be satisfied that any considerations with a bearing on value for money have been taken into account before disposing of the land. Accordingly, before confirming a transaction following a competitive process, the NDA will seek the views of HM Government and currently expects HM Government’s approval will be a condition precedent to completion of the lease. NDA will also consider whether the proposed use could have a detrimental effect on the NDA’s adjoining landholding which is to be retained for ongoing operations. The local regeneration companies welcome the sale of Sellafield. Rosie Mathisen, Energy Opportunities Director at West Cumbria Vision, said: “West Cumbria Vision and partners are pushing for the earliest possible build on the site adjacent to Sellafield. If we are to supply electricity to the National Grid by 2025 we need to address a large number of issues, in particular securing an improved grid connection and ensuring the site has the right infrastructure links. Obviously the new owner would have a key role to play in addressing these challenges so it is important we have them on board as soon as possible so we can push ahead with the vital work ahead.” Simon Sjenitzer, Strategy Director of Cumbria Vision, said: “It has been acknowledged nationally that West Cumbria has risen from the bottom of the pile to the top of the class when it comes to nuclear new build. This is testament to the huge amount of work which has been carried out to raise our profile among utility companies and consummate proof the County is open for business. “The NDA site is ideal for new build and we will continue to drive home this message. We firmly believe Cumbria has an important role to play in the UK’s nuclear renaissance, as part of the wider push to create a balanced “energy mix”, and through its involvement can help provide a significant contribution to the nation’s future energy needs.” Councillor Elaine Woodburn, Leader of Copeland Borough Council, said: “I am delighted this phase of the process has begun and hope it moves quickly. Once the land is bought we can begin working directly with the developers to discuss the best way of achieving a new nuclear power station in Copeland. This will mean more than the sale of a piece of land. It is a major step towards what we have been working so hard for – nuclear new build – and the economic benefits for our communities will be considerable.” Councillor Stewart Young, Leader of Cumbria County Council, added: "Cumbria County Council welcomes this important first step which could eventually lead to Cumbria hosting part of the new generation of British nuclear power stations. It's still very early days, but the launch of the land disposal process at Sellafield could give greater clarity for communities in Kirksanton and Braystones, who are understandably concerned that areas near to them have also been nominated for nuclear new build. The focus for developing land for nuclear new build should be at Sellafield, where there are already nuclear installations." Partners have been working for almost two years on the nuclear new build nomination, ensuring the NDA site meets criteria set out by Government and generating market interest among utility companies. The nomination was submitted on March 31 and is currently being considered by DECC. A full publication consultation on the nomination, along with others submitted, is expected to take place in the Winter. RWE npower has also submitted two sites in West Cumbria through the Strategic Siting Assessment process – one at Braystones near Sellafield and the other at Kirksanton near Millom. Comments (0)
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