Update

R33New pathway for semi-urban power stations
On Track
Government Response: Going further with SUPDC alternatives for all reactor classes

The Government is going further than the Taskforce recommended. Rather than creating a pathway limited to light water reactors, it will work with ONR to bring forward alternatives to the Semi-Urban Population Density Criterion for all classes of reactor, targeted within 12 months. This broadens the scope significantly beyond the original recommendation, which focused on amending EN-7 for LWRs. The expanded approach should benefit advanced reactor developers who might otherwise have faced continued siting constraints under the original 1967 methodology.

Deadline moved31 Dec 2631 Mar 27
govt_response
Source: Policy PaperDESNZ, March 2026

Impact on Overall Status

Confidence changed to: high
Government exceeding recommendation scope by covering all reactor classes, not just LWRs.
Recommendation Context
Chapter: Chapter 8: The Planning System
Owner: DESNZ
Current Status: On Track
View full recommendation

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Government Response: Going further with SUPDC alternatives for all reactor classes | R33 | Nuclear Taskforce Tracker