Nuclear Waste Services (NWS) has been engaging with communities in the Search Area in Lincolnshire since the establishment of a Working Group in October 2021 and the subsequent creation of a Community Partnership in June 2022.

The UK Government’s GDF siting process in England and Wales is consent-based and requires Nuclear Waste Services to identify both a suitable site and a willing host community. This means if the community does not express support for a GDF, it won’t be built there.  

Simon Hughes, NWS Siting and Communities Director, said:

 NWS has to date granted over £2million to support local community projects in the area and we are pleased to have left a lasting positive legacy for local people. We will now take the immediate steps needed to close the Community Partnership and the communities of Withern and Theddlethorpe, and Mablethorpe will leave the GDF siting process

The GDF is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), that is unique in commencing public engagement very early in the process. This is considered an advantage of the UK Government Policy that NWS is working to, as it engages communities and stakeholders right at the start of the project.

The siting process will continue to progress as we engage with the two Community Partnerships in Mid and South Copeland, who are already learning more about this vital project and the benefits and opportunities it could bring. We will also consider opportunities for more communities to join the siting process. 

GDFs are internationally recognised by governments and scientists as the best solution for the long term management of the most hazardous radioactive waste.