COUNCILLORS will soon learn more about how bosses hope to engage with the public over plans to build a new nuclear power station.

EDF Energy's draft Statement of Community Consultation (SoCC) will go before Suffolk Coastal District Council's Sizewell Task Group on Monday. The document – which has also been sent to Suffolk County Council – outlines how the French-owned power company hopes to make the public aware of its plans for Sizewell C.

Both local authorities will be able to comment on the draft SoCC to allow EDF to make any changes before public consultation starts next month.

According to the document, the consultation will be split into two stages – the first, which will last for at least eight weeks, will invite feedback on initial proposals and set out options for development. The main issues raised will them be summarised in a newsletter that will be sent to homes and businesses within a 10-mile radius of Sizewell.

The second stage of consultation will then be launched – outlining EDF's preferred proposal which will take into account responses from stage one.

It is also hoped consultation will be divided into two geographic areas – an inner zone, covering an approximate 10-mile radius of Sizewell and an outer zone, a 20-mile radius including Ipswich, Felixstowe, parts of Mid Suffolk and Lowestoft.

Public exhibitions will be held in Leiston, Aldeburgh, Theberton, Saxmundham, Westleton, Stratford St Andrew, Yoxford, Southwold, Wickham Market and Halesworth. In the outer zone there may be shorter exhibitions or community meetings at Ipswich, Woodbridge, Lowestoft, Felixstowe, Framlingham and Beccles.

Hard copies of all documents will be available at the EDF Energy office in Leiston High Street, selected libraries and at Suffolk Coastal, Waveney and Ipswich council offices. Town and parish councils will also be able to request meetings, while drop-in sessions may be held.

EDF is also proposing to set up a Sizewell C Community Forum – made up of local representatives – to consider issues that might affect the community. After the consultation the final plans will be submitted to the Secretary of State for a decision.