Representation by Edward Gold
- Date submitted
- 19 January 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
We object strongly to the planning application of Scottish Power Renewables for the following reasons: - The effect of up to 7 energy projects going ahead together would result in up to 12 years of major construction work on our heritage coast in the AONB. This is clearly unacceptable. - The proposed development will do immense damage to the local economy, in particular, tourism. The construction traffic levels, the many kilometres of cable trenches, and sheer size and extent of the construction sites will undoubtedly deter visitors coming and as the area is heavily dependent upon tourism, this will lead to social and economic decline. - We object to the proposals to put the substations at Friston and as residents of Aldeburgh object most strenuously to the proposed transport routes for the construction traffic associated with the projects. - The plan to route HGVs used in the construction of the landfall site from the A12 down the A1094 to Aldeburgh and up the B1122 to the B1353 and to Thorpeness makes no sense. HGVs coming into Aldeburgh down the Saxmundham Road and then turning at the Tesco roundabout to take the Leiston Road will cause a significant safety risk at the Aldeburgh Golf Club where Members and visitors cross the A1094 Saxmundham Road on foot constantly through the day to gain access to and from the 9 holes River Course. Many of those golfers are young children and elderly people as the 9 holes course suits them better and, unless the developers were required to provide an underpass, there is a significant risk that increased HGV and other traffic will lead to serious accidents for pedestrians. Moreover, the roundabout at the junction with the B 1122 Leiston Road is already a pinch point, always congested and used by schoolchildren on their way to and from Aldeburgh primary school, residents going to the two supermarkets and the pub as well as those using the Jubilee Path. This area is already the most heavily-used pedestrian and vehicle access route in the town. - The proposed landfall site at Thorpeness is wholly unsuitable. Landfall should not be made on this stretch of the Suffolk coast as there will be damage done to many features of the area that make it so important for it to be preserved. The cliffs at Thorpeness are extremely fragile. Ideally the substations should be sited on brownfield sites well away from villages and well screened. - The proposal will involve the digging of cable trenches and the use of roads that are too close to residential development. - Ancient woodlands will be lost. - The Sandlings and their associated wildlife will be put at risk. - Noise, light and, inevitably air pollution from the traffic will all be increased – forever!