Chapter 11Additional Recommendations and Issues
R46On Track

Reduce uncertainty on the release of sites for future nuclear projects

Reduce siting uncertainty

Full Recommendation Text

There should be a clear process for releasing new sites for potential use. DESNZ should within a fixed 28 day period confirm whether it has any objections to the use of any site. The landowner (e.g. EDF or NDA) should then confirm within a 28 day period whether they will make the land available for use (subject to any necessary private agreements).

If the approval is not provided, this should be clearly articulated to avoid abortive work. Approval should be automatic if a decision is not made within the time limit.

Update Timeline
On Track

Government Response: Land availability clarity for credible projects

Credible projects will receive clarity on land availability, with NDA and GBE-N required to notify Government of approaches and a 28-day response commitment from Government. The Advanced Nuclear Framework Pipeline will serve as the mechanism for demonstrating project credibility. The Government is also encouraging constructive private landowner engagement. This implements the Taskforce's 28-day response mechanism, though the addition of a credibility threshold through the Pipeline framework represents a new gating mechanism not in the original recommendation.

Policy Paper • DESNZ, March 2026
28-day response commitment confirmed; credibility demonstrated via Advanced Nuclear Framework Pipeline.
Ownership

Primary Owner

DESNZ

Co-owners

NDAEDF
Delivery Timeline
30 Jun 26

Taskforce target: June 2026

Scope

Sectors

civil

Domains

sitingland
Implementation Type
guidanceprocess change

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