Reforms to planning rules will clear a path for the next generation small modular nuclear reactors to be built for the first time and speed up development of larger schemes.

Currently, nuclear development is restricted to eight sites in the UK, as part of a planning statement on nuclear power generation that was made in 2011.

With the reforms unveiled today, the refreshed planning framework will help streamline the process to encourage investment and enable developers to identify the best sites for their projects, supporting development at a wider range of locations.

This will be important for the growth of AI date centre clusters around the country which need large amounts of energy.

Developers will be encouraged to bring forward sites as soon as possible at the pre-application stage in the planning process, speeding up overall timelines.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This country hasn’t built a nuclear power station in decades. we’ve been let down, and left behind.

“I’m putting an end to it – changing the rules to back the builders of this nation, and saying no to the blockers who have strangled our chances of cheaper energy, growth and jobs for far too long. ”

He said a new Nuclear Regulatory Taskforce would spearhead improvements to the regulations to help more companies build here. This will report directly to the Prime Minister.

The government has not yet taken its final investment decision on Sizewell C, which is not due to come until the spending review later this year.

But today’s statement offers a clear signal that Sizewell C will be pushed through.

Cathal O’Rourke, Laing O’Rourke’s chief executive officer, said: “This announcement is a significant step forward for the UK’s nuclear industry.

“The clarity provided by these new planning rules, the focus on streamlining the regulatory process, and the emphasis on standardising reactor designs is precisely the sort of clear, unequivocal direction the industry needs.”

“Having played a central role in delivering nuclear capacity at Hinkley Point C, we understand the complexities of these projects firsthand and these new measures, particularly around regulatory reform and streamlined planning, will be invaluable in ensuring future projects, like Sizewell C, can be delivered more efficiently and cost-effectively.”

He added: “This clear signal from government will unlock investment, create jobs nationwide for shared prosperity, including an ability to plan for long-term investment in apprenticeships, and ensure the UK can benefit from clean, locally supplied nuclear power for generations to come.

Chris Conboy, managing director, Nuclear EMEA at AtkinsRéalis, said: “Nuclear will be the cornerstone of a reliable net zero energy system.

“We need both large and small nuclear technologies to realise our AI ambitions, bolster our energy security, and enable the sustainable development of towns, cities and industries across the UK.

“Building the right technology in the right locations is vital to power the UK’s growth agenda and meet our net zero goals.”