Representation by Natasha Green
- Date submitted
- 14 January 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
We do not object to offshore wind farms. We object to the onshoring of such capacity which causes despoliation to the countryside. SPR will construct one of the largest substations in Europe in the heart of a tightly constrained medieval community. This is unprecedented. It demands intense investigation. We adopt all the submissions made by SASES and Friston Parish Council. High House Farm: Our property is an Elizabethan (1550s) three story (tall) house and is one of 7 Grade 2 listed properties encircling the SPR/NG site. It was constructed within the curtilage of an older 13th century dwelling and is crossed with ancient paths to the Church. It is surrounded by very old moats and ponds. The property and environs harbour birds (owls/birds of prey), toads, stoats/ ferrets, occasional otters, muntjac/deer, etc. SPR/NG site: The site extends to the boundary of the House. Components of the NG works will be circa 30-50m from the fence. Construction work will occur on the very boundary of the property. The impact will be devastating. No mitigation temporary or permanent mitigation could ever remedy the damage. Cumulative impact: SPR and NG plan a series of constructions at Friston which will be a hub or plug and socket for a series of ventures. The Authority must resist attempts by SPR/NG to argue that this is a one-off and determine the extent of these plans and assess impact cumulatively. There is no joined up Government thinking or strategy to protect the environment. Green energy risks becoming dirty green energy. Construction: The lengthy periods spoken off will destroy the peace for much of our lives. There is no protection against dust and noise. There is no protection against light pollution. Our view will be decimated. The area will be blighted by traffic congestion. In real terms we will lose the amenity of our home for years. This devastation is multiplied if the Authority permits the developments to be considered consecutively. Post-construction: The vast scale of the sub-station with 18metre high buildings (eg harmonic filters) will dominate our landscape. Mitigation through planting is futile. The planting of trees will fail to conceal this monolith. In any event it would take decades for planting to mature. We already hear humming and crackling from the pylons and the inevitable increase in noise will blight the peace. The ancient footpaths will disappear. The substation will be lit and will create permanent light pollution. The vibrant wildlife in our enclave will vanish. We will be cut off from the village and lose the tranquil views across to the church which we value. SPR/NG have made no effort to reduce the scale of the construction. The locality: The substation will bring zero long term wealth to the area. It will blight tourism and will deter inward investment (who will wish to live near Friston?). It will harm capital values of properties.