Date released
18 December 2023
Request number
202311051
Release of information under
Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA)
Information requested
Wondering if you could assist me regards planning restrictions for “new” dwellings in my location.
I’m aware some are permitted, and within short distances, others are not. Is there a map that would clarify the restricted areas? Is there any realistic prospect the restrictions may be eased in the foreseeable future?
Also I had no idea of what the emergency procedure is for residents. Yet I read in “AWE connect” earlier this year, page 3, “Updated copies of the public information booklet, which provides advice and guidance for people on what to do in the unlikely event of a radiation emergency at an AWE site, have been delivered to local households and businesses.” Well none has been received here during the past 8 years.
I did however find the attached here: https://westberks.gov.uk/awe#REPPIR%202019
Please confirm if this is what should have been delivered?
Information released
We confirm that under s.1 of the FOIA, we hold the information you have requested.
Overview of Land Use Planning Arrangements
It may be useful if I begin by explaining the relevant parts of ONR’s land use planning arrangements.
ONR provides advice to the local planning authorities on proposed developments on and around nuclear sites (‘nuclear sites’ are defined as GB licensed nuclear sites, authorised nuclear sites and nuclear warship sites). The advice provided seeks to limit both the potential for developments to pose external hazards to nuclear sites and the radiological consequences to members of the public in the event of a radiation emergency occurring on such sites.
Under the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations (REPPIR) 2019, local authorities are responsible for setting Detailed Emergency Planning Zones (DEPZ) for nuclear sites where there could be a radiation emergency with off-site consequences and preparing detailed plans for responding to such an emergency, within the DEPZ area. The off-site plans are put in place to minimise and mitigate the health consequences of any significant radiological release that might occur as a result of radiation emergencies at nuclear sites.
Proposed developments on, or in the vicinity of nuclear sites could have an impact on detailed emergency planning arrangements or could pose external hazards to nuclear sites (even in instances where no DEPZ is required). ONR therefore requests consultation regarding proposed developments within DEPZ and within wider consultation zones within which ONR deems development could impact on the operability and viability of the detailed emergency planning arrangements (made in accordance with REPPIR19) or pose external hazards to sites.
Where ONR is consulted by a local planning authority on a planning application for a development within an ONR consultation zone that meets the consultation criteria, then, when appropriate, ONR will seek adequate assurance from the emergency planning function within the relevant local authority that the development can be accommodated within the relevant local authority's existing off-site emergency planning arrangements. If the relevant local authority emergency planners are unable provide such assurance, then ONR will either advise against the proposed development or provide a conditional response.
ONR’s land use planning arrangements are described in full on our website:
AWE(A) DEPZ
The Atomic Weapon Establishment Aldermaston (AWE(A)) is located in the jurisdiction of West Berkshire District Council. The DEPZ for AWE(A) extends into both West Berkshire District Council’s and Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s jurisdiction.
Questions
In relation to each of your questions, please see below for our response.
- Is there a map that would clarify the restricted areas? A map of the DEPZ for AWE(A) is available on West Berkshire District Council’s website: AWE Detailed Emergency Planning Zones (arcgis.com)
I would emphasise that, for land use planning purposes, this is an ONR consultation zone and not a restricted area.
- Is there any realistic prospect the restrictions may be eased in the foreseeable future?
West Berkshire District Council may choose to change the size and shape of the DEPZ if the nature of the hazard evaluation and/or consequence assessment associated with the AWE(A) site materially changes, or if it determines that other factors (such as demographic changes) necessitate an amendment. However, we are not currently aware of any intention to implement such a change. Even if the DEPZ remains as it is, if West Berkshire District Council are able to provide us with adequate assurance that a proposed development can be accommodated in the OSEP, then we are unlikely to advise against it.
Public Information Booklet
Also I had no idea of what the emergency procedure is for residents. Yet I read in “AWE connect” earlier this year, page 3, “Updated copies of the public information booklet, which provides advice and guidance for people on what to do in the unlikely event of a radiation emergency at an AWE site, have been delivered to local households and businesses.” Well none has been received here during the past 8 years. I did however find the attached here: https://westberks.gov.uk/awe#REPPIR%202019 Please confirm if this is what should have been delivered?
I confirm that the public information leaflet can be found on the West Berkshire District Council website. A copy can be found at this link:
What you should do if there is a radiation emergency at the AWE Aldermaston or Burghfield sites
Regulation 21 of REPPIR19 places a duty on the local authority for the provision of prior information to the public. Prior information should be supplied in an appropriate manner and in an accessible format to members of the public who are in the detailed emergency planning zone, without their having to request it, so far as reasonably practicable.
We recommend that, in the first instance, you discuss the matter with West Berkshire District Council to understand whether a physical leaflet should have been delivered to you.
You may also find the following link helpful:
Exemptions applied
N/A
PIT (Public Interest Test) if applicable
N/A