Representation by Ian Culf
- Date submitted
- 30 September 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Cumulative impact of this project alongside the multiple Energy NSIP’s coming forward on this coast requires consideration as the current plans would result in chaos. An early overview from the Inspectorate to the Secretary of State would be vital on this subject. Despite the 8 years of involvement in this project, the lack of in-depth detail is astounding, and of the information provided sufficient amounts to give concern require further challenging and interrogation. Mental wellbeing of residents affected by the process so far lasting 8 years and ongoing into the future, stress. Additional burdens relating to COVID restrictions – learning new ways of communicating for all – leaves residents feeling confused and disenfranchised. Lack of acknowledgement by the applicant of the rural Parish’s input by those most nearly affected by the application. Woefully insufficient mitigation for the areas locally affected. Unacceptable road over rail and sea bias for transport of materials. It would have an unreasonably adverse impact on local communities, and significantly damage the important tourism economy and the wider area. Irreparable damage potentially to be caused to Minsmere and other RAMSAR / AONB land, together with biodiversity reduction, no amount of ‘recreation’ can replace these. Socio – Economic - with in excess of 80% of the construction work and workforce projected to be based in the parish of Leiston-cum Sizewell, the effect on residents needs to be acknowledged and mitigated for. Currently there has been no reassurance that promised apprenticeships and skills are primarily sourced through Alde Valley Academy and Suffolk College on the Coast which is of great importance. Alde Valley Academy must be the GO TO place of education to fill these skills and the possible 900 permanent jobs. Emergency services support, so as not to have deficiencies of cover and availability during construction. There is no mention of how this would be mitigated against yet. Campus - alternative options for location of this campus offered require real consideration by EDF; there is no legacy for the current site(s), which will have significant impact on local communities due to their location, noise, light, pollution particularly by traffic and also notably social pressures. Lack of meaningful engagement with Parishes affected. There has been no recognition that the relief road and all other significant infrastructure works ought to be completed prior to commencement of building SZC to date. Sizewell Link Road - EDF has not offered justification for the choice of the current route. The current route is without legacy or merit. B1122, Sizewell Gap Road – no acceptable solution offered for the first 2 years usage before completion of the Link Road, or mitigation to make safe the latter. Currently suggested usage of both, causing an unreasonable burden on residents in close proximity to the B1122 and users of the Sizewell Gap Road together with similarly situated residents in proximity to other access roads both immediately surrounding and approaching. So far no confidence that any economic boom will not result in a corresponding bust. Housing – displacement of private rentals. Even though there may be a housing fund this will not help those families already embedded within the community who will be left homeless (family/job/school/mental health) Tourism – all sectors in tourism may suffer due to lack of accommodation/traffic/noise/light tripadvisor will play an important part as bad reviews will have an ever lasting impact on the whole district. Legacy has to be placed to stop Leiston repeating as a boom and bust town, being left in a disgrace once again. A12 4 village bypass is paramount, there is time to look into this. Some items are way beyond mitigation or compensation Ian Culf