Representation by Celia M Bell
- Date submitted
- 19 January 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
RE: EAST ANGLIA NORTH ONE (and EAST ANGLIA TWO) I wish to object to this ScottishPower Renewables planning application for substations dangerously close and dominating a small village. The following reasons are relevant but by no means including all aspects of the issues raised by the proposal: • Cumulative impact on local communities: With up to 7 energy projects occurring consecutively over 12 to 15 years the cumulative impact on local communities and the local economy along the Suffolk Coastal district and several miles inland will be significant. o SPR Renewables as objecting to here o Sizewell C o National Grid Ventures Interconnectors • Nautilus o Eurolink o Expansion of offshore windfarms • Galloper • Greater Gabbard • Human Impact: The human impact of the SPR proposals with the cumulative impact on local communities would be significant Visual impact and loss of environmental resource: o There will be a loss of important footpaths, in particular around Friston. These footpaths are regularly used and enjoyed by villagers and visitors and lead trade to the local pubs and other businesses. To lose these will be to lose a significant local resource. The footpath (FP6) running north from the village to Little Moor Farm will be permanently closed. This footpath is the historic parish boundary between Friston and Knodishall and, whilst alternative routes are proposed, these in no way replace the existing paths and will certainly not be attractive to walk on due to the presence of the proposed sub-stations. o The impact of the substations visually from the village and surrounding properties will be significant. What have been unspoilt views of woodland and open farmland will be rudely interrupted by the substations which are threatening to be as high as the houses of Parliament and as large as Wembley Stadium. Our historic church in Friston, at which 3 Lord Mayors of London are buried, will be overshadowed by the huge development. Mental and Physical Health impact: o The uncertainty resulting from the SPR proposals has had a significant impact on the wellbeing of people in our local communities, in particular residents of Friston and surrounding area. The impact on mental health of residents is worrying; the uncertainty, the detrimental financial impact and concern for future noise and light pollution is destroying lives. o There has been a loss of equity for home owners in Friston and the local area affected by the proposals. There is clear evidence of a significant fall in value of properties. There is also evidence of being unable to sell properties as the result of the proposals. This has locked families and elderly people into difficult situations – having to stay in a house when jobs move, not being able to downsize etc. o There is huge concern over damage to quality of life through noise and light pollution, both during the building phase and when operational. The substation is planned to be too close to domestic residences in Friston and breach guidelines. • Flood Risk: The current village drainage infrastructure is inadequate. SPR state clearly there is an increase in flood risk and sediment mobilisation due to the development but fails to show that proposed mitigation measures are sufficient, feasible or achievable. No assessment of the adequacy of the Friston Watercourse has been undertaken and SPR take no proper account of surface water flooding. SPR propose two new retention ponds on the substation site but ignore the existing field drainage system, which will be removed. • Impact on Wildlife and ecosystems: Not only will there be destruction of ancient woodland in order to build the substations and drive the cable corridor the long distance from the coast, but the Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB will be disrupted, causing problems to migrating species and severing the wildlife corridor. The apparently lunatic plan to drive 11km of cable trenches inland from the coast will destroy environmentally sensitive areas. A ring main at sea or placing the substation next to Sizewell would mitigate all of these effects. • Economic Impact: There are reports from governmental organisations pointing to the impact on tourism of the SPR proposals. Traffic congestion and related issues would deter tourists from coming to the area resulting in an impact on businesses through loss of trade and a loss of jobs leading to social and economic decline. The SPR proposals will not bring any long-term employment to the area. Permanent and temporary closure of PRoWs (footpaths, bridleways, byways and cycle paths) will compound the impact on tourism.