Horizon Nuclear Power has had its plans to build the proposed Wylfa Newydd nuclear power station in Wales formally approved by the Planning Inspectorate.

The Development Consent Order process now formally begins with the pre-examination phase, which is where members of the public can become an ‘interested party’.

An Examining Authority is also appointed at this stage and interested parties will be invited to attend a preliminary meeting.

Four other key environmental permits will now also enter the assessment stage, which will be delivered by Natural Resources Wales.

Duncan Hawthorne, CEO of Horizon Nuclear Power, said: “This is a significant milestone for Horizon and an important step on the path to having all the permissions we need to build Wylfa Newydd.

“The power station will not only deliver huge benefits for Anglesey, where it will provide top-quality employment for local people and significant opportunities for local businesses but it will also play a key role in the UK’s energy future, delivering much-needed low carbon, safe and secure power for decades to come.”