Wylfa Newydd Project Pre-Application Consultation Stage Two

Transcription

1 STAGE 2 Welsh Language Impact Assessment Interim Report Non-Technical Summary ENERGY WORKING FOR BRITAIN Wylfa Newydd Project Pre-Application Consultation Stage Two

2 1 WELSH LANGUAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT INTERIM REPORT HORIZON NUCLEAR POWER Welsh Language Impact Assessment Interim Report The areas of Anglesey and Gwynedd have the highest concentrations of Welsh speakers in all of Wales. The Welsh language has official status in Wales and this means that it should not be treated less favourably than the English language. We recognise that the Welsh language and culture are integral to these communities, and central to many people s sense of identity. We also recognise the connection between a strong economy, jobs and the well-being of the Welsh language and culture on Anglesey. We value Welsh language skills at all levels within our workforce and we are committed to supporting the use of the language across Anglesey s communities and as part of the Wylfa Newydd Project. When large projects such as ours are built in Wales, they must comply with national and local planning policy. One of these policy requirements is to complete an assessment to understand how our proposals may affect the Welsh language, culture and traditions this is called a Welsh Language Impact Assessment. We are partway through the process of completing our Welsh Language Impact Assessment Report (WLIA Report) for the Project. The current version of our Welsh Language Impact Assessment - called the Welsh Language Impact Assessment Interim Report (WLIA Interim Report) - is a part of our Stage Two pre-application consultation documents and can be found on our website at HORIZON S WELSH LANGUAGE POLICY PURPOSE OF THE WLIA INTERIM REPORT We will play our part to ensure that the Welsh language is central to our way of life at Wylfa Newydd. Greg Evans Horizon s Safety & Generation Director As part of our commitment to the Welsh language and culture, we will give consideration to the effect of our Associated Development on the Welsh language. To support this, we will submit a Welsh Language Statement or Welsh Language Impact Assessment with each of our planning applications for these developments, to respond to national and local planning policy guidance. Alongside the work to reduce and mitigate adverse effects of the Project on the Welsh language, we are continuing to promote and enhance the benefits of the Project including the use of the Welsh language through our day-to-day corporate activity. We believe that it is good business practice to engage in the language of choice of our stakeholders, including our partners in government departments, in business, or in local communities. We understand that the Welsh language and culture are important matters to local communities and are committed to developing the Wylfa Newydd Project in a way that respects the Welsh language and culture. To demonstrate this commitment, we have adopted a Welsh Language Pledge. We are also developing a Welsh Language and Culture Strategy. The WLIA Interim Report identifies the main potential effects, both adverse and beneficial, of the Wylfa Newydd Project on the Welsh language and culture during construction, operation and decommissioning. The assessment presented is preliminary and based on our current Project proposals. We may have to modify it in response to this consultation and based on future comments from our Welsh Language Steering Group, future engagement with the community and Welsh language groups and as new information becomes available. The final WLIA Report that we submit with our application for a Development Consent Order will reflect our final position and explain the steps that we will take to enhance any beneficial, and reduce or mitigate any adverse effects, of the Wylfa Newydd Project on Welsh language and culture. An independently chaired Welsh Language Steering Group has been set up to guide our WLIA Report process and ensure local stakeholders have wider input. It meets regularly to give us advice on how we do our assessment work and review our reports. Our Steering Group includes representatives from the Isle of Anglesey and Gwynedd Councils, Menter Môn and Wylfa Newydd s Project Liaison Group. The Welsh Government and the Welsh Language Commissioner also act as observers to the work of the Steering Group, but are not members.

3 WELSH LANGUAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT INTERIM REPORT HORIZON NUCLEAR POWER 2 STUDY AREA In parallel to the Stage One pre-application consultation, we consulted on a Scoping Report for the WLIA Report. This included a study area that had been previously agreed with our Steering Group and we invited public and statutory consultees to comment. It was agreed that the WLIA Report would look primarily at Anglesey, because this is where most of the effects of the Wylfa Newydd Project would occur. However, we also assess parts of the mainland because they have economic links with Anglesey. This area is referred to as the Menai Mainland. The study area includes: Local Area of Influence: approximately 5km from the centre of the Wylfa Newydd Development Area. We chose this zone to make sure the effects on the physical environment air, noise and visual assessment and quality of life are reported in the WLIA Report Key Socio-economic Study Area: this is the area most likely to be affected beneficially and adversely by the Wylfa Newydd Project. It is defined by two Travel to Work Areas: Bangor, Caernarfon and Llangefni and Holyhead. The area is split into Anglesey North, Anglesey West, Anglesey South and Menai Mainland Daily Construction Commuting Zone: this area is based on a 90-minute drive from the Wylfa Newydd Development Area. Based on our socio-economic and traffic and transport assessments, we believe this is a realistic estimate of the furthest a worker will likely drive each way to and from work North Wales: the area covered by the counties of Isle of Anglesey, Gwynedd, Conwy, Denbighshire, Flintshire and Wrexham KEY Holyhead Holy Island Nefyn Abersoch Wylfa Newydd Development Area Key Socio-economic Study Area Local Area of influence Anglesey North Anglesey South Anglesey West Menai Mainland Snowdonia National Park North Wales Key Socio-economic Study Area Anglesey Pwllheli Llangefni Caernarfon Beaumaris Menai Bridge Bangor Llanberis Gwynedd Porthmadog Harlech Llanbedr Barmouth Bethesda Deganwy Conwy Llanfairfechan Betws-y-Coed Blaenau Ffestiniog Trawsfynydd Dolgellau Llandudno Conwy Llanrwst Colwyn Bay Abergele Bala Rhyl Rhuddlan Prestatyn St Asaph Corwen Lake Vyrnwy Denbigh Ruthin Llanfyllin Wrexham Liverpool Shrewsbury

4 3 WELSH LANGUAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT INTERIM REPORT HORIZON NUCLEAR POWER Horizon values the Welsh language... HOW DID WE CARRY OUT THE ASSESSMENT? The future well-being of the Welsh language depends on a number of factors such as population changes, the economy, job opportunities, housing and education. The WLIA Interim Report looks at the possible effects of the Wylfa Newydd Project on five key aspects of community life to identify the potential effects on the Welsh language and culture: population characteristics: the effect of the Project (mostly from workers moving into the area) on local populations, including the proportion of Welsh speakers quality of life: the effect of the Project on quality of life including the health of local people; desirability of the local area; and the potential for increased crime and violence economy: the effect of the Project on local businesses and suppliers; job creation and employment opportunities; tourism; housing; and opportunities for training and education infrastructure supply: the effect of construction and operational workers on local services including schools, health care facilities, emergency services and recreational facilities social and cultural: how workers from outside the area (a high proportion of whom are expected to be non-welsh speakers) could influence the sense of local community and potentially lead to social tension; and the effects of the Project on Welsh traditions and culture including voluntary and youth community groups More information on the methodology used to prepare the assessment can be found in the WLIA Interim Report that is available on our website at consultation. EFFECTS OF THE PROJECT ON THE WELSH LANGUAGE As part of our assessments, we have been working to identify the potential effects of our Project. As part of the WLIA Interim Report, we have identified effects of the Project, both beneficial and adverse, that we expect from our current proposals on Welsh language and culture, during both construction and operation. Some of these effects include: in-migration of non Welsh-speaking construction workers into local communities will have an adverse effect on the Welsh language and culture by reducing the proportion of Welsh speakers in a community job opportunities for the local population, which includes a high proportion of Welsh speakers, will have a beneficial effect on the Welsh language as it will contribute towards retaining the local working age population. Additionally, residents who have previously left Anglesey in search of work may return to work on the Project. Retaining existing Welsh speakers and attracting native Welsh speakers, who may raise bilingual families, to return to the area, will contribute towards the future well-being of the Welsh language and culture increased earnings for tourist accommodation providers during construction. Given that a high proportion of the local population, including those who own tourist accommodation are Welsh speakers, this would be beneficial to the Welsh language through use of local businesses and suppliers, the local economy will benefit from investment, mainly during Enabling Works and Main Construction, but also during operation. Given the strong link between the economy and the Welsh language, this would be beneficial to safeguarding the well-being of the Welsh language and culture wages paid to local people living on Anglesey and working on the Project will benefit the local economy during construction and operation. There could also be a beneficial effect on wages during operation All of our social media services are fully bilingual. some local people currently working for local firms may leave their existing jobs to work on the Project during construction; this could have adverse effects on local businesses increased demand for housing during construction could increase rents payable to private landlords and increase house prices. This could have adverse effects on local people, especially the young and low-income groups. Given that a high proportion of the local population are Welsh speakers, this could adversely affect the Welsh language if local Welsh speakers are forced to move because they can no longer afford to live in the area we do not expect a large number of construction workers to bring their families with them while they work on the Project. However, there will be some increase in school-aged children in the Key Socio-economic Study Area during both construction and operation. Introducing non-welsh speaking, school-aged children will change the balance of Welsh and non-welshspeaking children in local schools. This has the potential to reduce the amount of Welsh spoken by local children there could be an adverse effect on local schools due to an increase in demand beyond capacity levels of primary schools and existing language immersion centres. The language of a group of friends can often determine the language of children when they communicate with each other. Therefore, the introduction of non-welsh-speaking children has the potential to alter the balance of Welsh and non-welsh speakers, diminishing the use of the Welsh language non-welsh-speaking construction workers moving into the area may not fully appreciate or understand the unique Welsh culture and traditions on Anglesey, which will lead to an adverse effect communities such as Amlwch and Holyhead, where we are proposing to build Temporary Workers Accommodation, are more likely to be affected by social tensions and conflict due to the influx of construction workers, a high proportion of whom are likely to be non-welsh speakers

5 WELSH LANGUAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT INTERIM REPORT HORIZON NUCLEAR POWER 4...and we want to support workers to develop their language skills ADDRESSING OUR EFFECTS ON THE WELSH LANGUAGE AND CULTURE Horizon will take steps to reduce any adverse effects and to realise opportunities to enhance beneficial effects on the Welsh language and culture. We are still working to identify these measures as we continue to develop our understanding of the potential effects of the Project on the Welsh language and culture. However, we have already identified some initial measures that we plan to put in place that relate to the five key aspects of community life. All our non-technical publications such as community newsletters, exhibition materials and resident bulletins are fully bilingual. Horizon is keen to be an active member of the community and to encourage employees to speak Welsh. To engage local and Welshspeaking people through job recruitment we plan to develop a range of recruitment materials. These could include case studies of local role models who already work for Horizon or highlighting the potential pathways to different roles on the Project using different types of media (video, Apps, documents). All summary and public facing documents for consultations will be available in Welsh and English. POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS One of the key beneficial effects of the Project on the Welsh language is the creation of employment opportunities for the local population a real incentive that could help to reduce the number of people moving away from Anglesey, especially young people. We are committed to realising opportunities for local people to become part of the workforce and the Project offers a real opportunity to attract local people who may have left the area to find work to return, both during construction and operation. We will look to target these local people through our recruitment processes and highlight where roles require or benefit from Welsh speaking skills. We recognise the importance of ensuring that the construction and operational workforce, and their families, understand the value and importance of the Welsh language and culture. With this in mind, we will develop language and culture awareness packages for workers and their families. QUALITY OF LIFE We are looking to put measures in place to reduce the potential adverse effects of the Project on air quality, noise and the landscape during construction and operation. These measures would aim to ensure that local people - a high percentage of whom are Welsh speakers - remain in their communities, and reduce out-migration as a result of the Project. Our website and advertising are fully bilingual in Wales. THE ECONOMY Through our Jobs and Skills Strategy and our work with local education services and providers, we are committed to realising opportunities for local workers and young people, school leavers and graduates. As part of this, we will consider the Welsh language requirements of all posts. We will also look to target local people through our recruitment processes. We will continue to work with our Welsh Language Steering Group to see how we can use targeted recruitment activity to engage with Welsh speakers and local people who have moved away from Anglesey, with a view to attracting them back to the island to work. Horizon values the Welsh language and we are exploring how we can support and encourage workers to develop their Welsh language skills within the workplace. As mentioned, language and cultural awareness training will be offered to staff on recruitment and we will work with local training providers to support and encourage our workforce to develop or improve their language skills. The Wylfa Newydd Project offers opportunities for a range of different industries, and we have already started interacting with potential suppliers and supply chain businesses on Anglesey and across North Wales to make sure they can take full advantage of these opportunities. The creation of additional job opportunities within local businesses is beneficial to the Welsh language as the creation of additional jobs would contribute towards retaining the existing Welsh speaking population in the area.

6 5 WELSH LANGUAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT INTERIM REPORT HORIZON NUCLEAR POWER INFRASTRUCTURE Horizon has developed a Construction Workers Accommodation Strategy. This identifies measures that we will put in place to reduce the potential adverse effects that could occur from increased pressure on local services as a result of workers and their families moving into the area. The Welsh language has been a consideration in the development of this Strategy. Some of the measures that we are considering in this area include: the need to make financial contributions to certain primary schools due to the pressure caused by school-aged children moving into the area the need to make financial contributions to existing language immersion centres to address additional demand from construction and operational workers and their families wishing to gain Welsh language skills supporting the recruitment of bilingual GPs, where required, to address the important provision of bilingual health services to the local Welsh-speaking population Information packs provided to new workers and their families will include information on Welsh courses that are available locally both for children and adults, along with initiatives to assist with the transfer of Welsh language within the home. Using different types of media (interviews, video, print), we will also look to highlight positive role models who have successful stories of moving to the area with children who have then attended Welshmedium schools. All permanent and temporary public signs at the Wylfa Newydd site are fully bilingual. We will encourage all third parties operating on our behalf to install bilingual temporary signage in public areas where possible. All correspondence with us can be provided in Welsh. SOCIAL AND CULTURE We will explore opportunities to support existing initiatives, as opposed to duplicating such measures, such as welcome language packs which will be trialled on Anglesey in the near future. These materials would include a variety of media and, for example, include positive role models who have moved into the area and have sent their children to Welsh-medium schools. Materials would include information on Welsh-language courses available locally both for children, adults and families, along with initiatives to assist with the transfer of Welsh language within the home. We recognise the important role of voluntary/activity/youth groups which function through the medium of Welsh in providing opportunities for people of all ages to use the Welsh language socially and within the community. We will support voluntary/ activity/youth groups and projects, including those relating to sport and play to enhance opportunities for the Welsh language to be used socially. As part of our commitment to the Welsh language and culture, consideration will be given to the effect of our Associated Developments on the Welsh language. To support this, we will submit a Welsh Language Statement with each of our planning applications, as necessary to respond to national and local planning policy guidance.

7 WELSH LANGUAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT INTERIM REPORT HORIZON NUCLEAR POWER 6 NEXT STEPS Comments provided in response to this consultation in relation to Welsh language and culture will help inform the final WLIA Report that will be submitted as part of our application for a Development Consent Order. As we continue to refine the Project, we will develop our assessment of the effects on Welsh language; key to this is understanding more about our construction workers and their families. From a better understanding of the effects of the Project, we will continue to develop ways to reduce the adverse effects and enhance the beneficial effects. These measures will be developed through close working with a number of relevant stakeholders, including our Welsh Language Steering Group, the Isle of Anglesey County Council, local community, youth and voluntary groups, non-governmental organisations and special interest groups. Horizon has also engaged Welsh language planners to help guide this work.

8 CONTACT US: If you have any questions or feedback regarding the Wylfa Newydd Project you can contact us on our dedicated Wylfa Newydd Freephone hotline and address, by calling on or ing Horizon Nuclear Power Sunrise House 1420 Charlton Court Gloucester Business Park Gloucester GL3 4AE T +44 (0) All material in this document is, unless specified otherwise, copyright of Horizon Nuclear Power Wylfa Ltd and may not be reproduced without prior permission. Any unauthorised use or copying of the material may violate trademark, copyright and other proprietary rights and civil and criminal statutes. The material shall not be used in any manner that infringes any trademark, copyright or other proprietary rights and Horizon Nuclear Power Wylfa Ltd reserves all rights with respect to such unauthorised use. Printed copies of the consultation documents and plans are available upon request however, there is a charge of up to 500 required to cover the cost of printing a full set of the Stage Two pre-application consultation documents. This charge may be waived at the discretion of Horizon. WN034-S9-PAC-REP-00008