University publishes independent study on early impacts of Sizewell C

The University of Suffolk has published an independent study examining how residents in Leiston and surrounding communities perceive current experiences, anticipated future impacts, and longer-term legacy expectations associated with the Sizewell C nuclear power station construction.

The study was commissioned by Sizewell C and carried out by University of Suffolk researchers Dr Cristian Dogaru and Laura Polley.

The Sizewell C Community Study aimed to establish a baseline understanding of community experience at the early stages of construction.

It also provides an evidence base to support ongoing understanding of the views of communities most directly affected over time and offers a reference point for future monitoring as construction progresses.

The study collates findings from three linked surveys and twelve independently facilitated focus groups conducted between summer 2024 and spring 2025, capturing the views of several hundred residents from the local area.

The research explored current experiences, expectations about future impacts, and residents’ longer-term hopes for their communities.

Findings show that awareness of the Sizewell C project is high locally, but that most residents have so far experienced only limited direct impacts, particularly related to traffic disruption and visible environmental change.

At the same time, many participants expressed concerns about potential future pressures on services, infrastructure, housing, and the environment, alongside hopes that the project might support positive long-term outcomes such as opportunities for young people, strengthened local services, and sustained community wellbeing.

Dr Cristian Dogaru, Associate Professor at the University of Suffolk and Principal Investigator for the study, said: “This baseline study captures how people are experiencing the very earliest stages of the project and, just as importantly, how they are thinking about the years ahead.

"It provides a foundation for understanding how community perspectives evolve over time and highlights the importance of clear communication and meaningful listening as large infrastructure projects move forward.”

The full report is available to read here: Sizewell C Community Study.