A DECISION over plans for a new nuclear power generating station on Anglesey has been delayed by the UK Government's Secretary of State.

The decision, to grant a Development Consent Order (DCO) for the Wylfa Newydd project, at Cemaes, has been put back until March 31, 2020.

The Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Andrea Leadsom has requested more information on a range environmental, infrastructure and other aspects of the huge planning application before making her decision.

The deadline for the decision on the proposed nuclear generating station) Order application was October 23, 2019.

But, a BEIS statement said there were: "...outstanding issues which mean that we are unable to reach a decision based on the information provided to us. The Secretary of State has therefore extended the deadline."

Anglesey Council now says it will continue to play its part in the bid to secure planning consent for the stalled project.

Horizon Nuclear Power, Welsh Government and other stakeholders, including the County Council, now have until midnight Tuesday, December 31, 2019 to submit additional information.

Anglesey Council Leader, Councillor Llinos Medi said: “We clearly recognise the importance of the DCO process and respect that it must be thorough, robust, and comprehensive.

"This is imperative given the sheer scale of the Wylfa Newydd development, and its implications for the local community, Anglesey and wider region.”

“The County Council will continue to play its part in securing planning consent for the Wylfa Newydd project.”

The Wylfa Newydd project was suspended by Horizon’s owners, Hitachi Ltd, in January 2019.

Cllr Medi added, “The County Council worked extremely hard to gain major socio-economic benefits for local communities and wider Island during a challenging consenting process.

"We want to capitalise on the potential opportunities Wylfa Newydd can bring, whilst also ensuring that adverse impacts are identified and effectively mitigated.”

The Isle of Anglesey County Council will continue to engage with Hitachi, Horizon Nuclear Power and both Welsh and UK Governments.

Economic Development and Major Projects portfolio holder, Cllr Carwyn Jones, said, “The County Council is fully committed to its Energy Island Programme. Wylfa Newydd remains an integral part of our vision to put Anglesey at the forefront of low carbon energy research and development, production and servicing. This has the potential to bring huge economic rewards and job opportunities for our young people over the next 60 years.”

He added, “We are well aware that the North of Anglesey has recently been on the end of a number of disappointing announcements, including the suspension of Wylfa Newydd and closure of the Rehau Plastics Plant in Amlwch.

"Despite this brief delay in the DCO process, we hope that the final decision will be a positive one, providing a significant step towards kick-starting the Wylfa Newydd project, which will result in much needed socio-economic investment on the Island.”

The DCO application by Horizon Nuclear Power was the subject of rigorous examination, and community consultation, undertaken by the Planning Inspectorate.

A spokesperson for Horizon said: “We have seen the letter from the Secretary of State regarding our Development Consent Order for Wylfa Newydd and are now reviewing it in detail.

"Clearly we are disappointed not to have had the determination today but will now work towards addressing the points it raises.”

In a statement Protesters People Against Wylfa B (PAWB) said: "It is therefore encouraging that Andrea Leadsom, the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has decided to postpone for five months a final decision on Horizon’s planning application pending more information on a number of issues from Horizon and Natural Resources Wales.

"Her decision may reflect the hard time experienced by Horizon during the public hearings held by the Planning Inspectorate in Ynys Môn in October 2018, and January and March 2019.

"Even if the Minister ultimately gives the development consent order to Horizon, this doesn’t mean that resurrecting Wylfa B is likely.

"Only unbelievably foolish financial recklessness by Westminster can resurrect such a massive project. A reluctance to face reality – more inhabitants of the Fairy Circle!"