Implementation Lead(s): The Highland Council, Dumfries and Galloway Council; Site operators; Nuclear Decommissioning Authority; Scottish Enterprise; Highlands and Islands Enterprise

Locations: Caithness, Dumfries and Galloway

Further reading:
Dumfries and Galloway Council

Highland Council Dounreay Planning Framework

Environmental Mitigation: None required at national level

Ongoing Activity and Milestones:
April 24, 2015 – Dounreay Planning Framework 2 adopted by The Highland Council as statutory Supplementary Guidance

July 2015 – Dounreay Site Restoration Limited has recently used The Highland Council’s Major Applications Pre-Application Advice Service in respect of key elements of Phase 3 developments as outlined in DPF2 and the Council, with input from a number of key agencies, has provided an advice pack to DSRL to facilitate preparation of the relevant planning application(s)

Nov 2015 – EIA Scoping Opinion for Dounreay Site Restoration – Phase 3 (2018 – 2029) issued November 12,2015

June 2016 – Note that subsequent to the setting out of the accelerated timescales for decommissioning in Dounreay Planning Framework 2, the scope of the decommissioning programme was added to in 2015. It is now anticipated that the Interim End State will be achieved between 2030 and 2033.

August 2017 – Dounreay’s decommissioning programme showcased in a new film and brochure, see https://dounreay.com/2017/07/year-hazard-reduction-making-progress-dounreay/

February 2018 – Planning Application received October 2017 for Dounreay Phase 3 (2018 – Interim End State) development, Phase 3 development comprises of the construction of a transit flask facility, shaft and silo waste retrieval facilities, a low level waste pits retrieval temporary building & a facility to repackage waste, also demolition of all redundant buildings, land remediation, landscaping, dismantling of 3 nuclear reactors & continuation of ancillary infrastructure decommissioning works. Planning Application received November 2017 for Continuation of operation of two stores pending transfer of material to the LLW Disposal Facility situated adjacent to the Site – permitted December 2017. The second phase of the new low level waste facilities is now expected to commence in May 2020.

November 2018 – Dounreay Phase 3 planning application permitted.

The Caithness & North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership (CNSRP) is a partnership of Highlands & Islands Enterprise, The Highland Council, The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority, Cavendish Dounreay Partnership, Caithness Chamber of Commerce, Skills Development Scotland and the Scottish Government.

Its aim is to co-ordinate and lead the response to the socio-economic impacts associated with the decommissioning of the Dounreay site. Between 2008-2017 partners estimate that over 1,300 FTE jobs were created or retained in the area’s economy (87% created, 13% retained). And over the same period over £200M was invested in a range of enabling infrastructure.

Between 2017-2020 partners will focus on key economic opportunities in offshore wind, tidal, west of Shetland oil & gas, nuclear services, business services and the North Coast 500. Partners project between 270-670 FTE jobs may be realised during this period. Key enabling activities during this time will include skills investment, harbour infrastructure and business/ industrial land.

Beyond Chapelcross Project – Year Five Report
The Beyond Chapelcross Project was set up in September 2011 after funding was secured from the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Dumfries and Galloway Council to provide area specific and intensified business support in Annandale and Eskdale. The Project’s purpose has been to help boost the local economy,  which is affected by the decommissioning of the Chapelcross Nuclear Power Station. Closure of this facility will result in the loss of around £30M to local economy.

Since the start of the Project programme 250 businesses within Annandale and Eskdale have received business advice and help to grow. The support and funding provided by the Project has resulted in over 45 full time equivalent jobs being created.

The five year Project is now in its final year. Following the success of the workforce transition during the first phase of the project Dumfries & Galloway Council together with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority have agreed to extending the life of the CX Project for another 5 years. This next phase of the project will concentrate on the redevelopment and reuse of the Chapelcross site. Its proximity to the M74, the Central Belt and the North of England present an ideal opportunity for economic growth in the region. The partners will be building on the adopted development framework and looking to deliver mixed-use employment on the site, eventually providing upto 3000 jobs within a development underpinned by a comprehensive place-based design code.