New reactor being built in Shimane applies for safety checks

A few things jump out to me in the article.

You have to actually 'apply' for a safety check? Shouldn't government safety checks be standard throughout the construction process? What if a reactor is built but then fails the application process? Am I missing something here?

"...seek local consent for operation" Since they already have it built, it seems that with or without local consent they will operate anyway.

Oh no! Not another one.

There was a big earthquake and tsunami a few years back.

You have to actually 'apply' for a safety check? Shouldn't government safety checks be standard throughout the construction process? What if a reactor is built but then fails the application process? Am I missing something here?

I believe the safety checks they talk about are the new checks put in place for every reactor after Fukushima. There are regular checks during construction but they are essentially the same as done on any construction project, to ensure following building codes and wiring codes and fire suppression systems are in place; things like that which apply to any large commercial construction.

If a reactor is built and fails the new safety checks then they must either fix the problems or never start the reactor.

You have to actually 'apply' for a safety check?

Is the government just supposed to magically know that you need one?

I thought Japan was committed to phasing out nuclear power altogether by 2040. Yet a new reactor is being built?