Representation by David Weston
- Date submitted
- 19 January 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Whilst I recognise the need for low carbon energy, I do not believe that the current proposals submitted by Scottish Power Renewables are consistent with a reasoned development of the East Suffolk Coastal Area, economically or enviromentally. I think that they will result in a major degradation of residential and visitor amenities. In expressing my concern over these proposals, I fully support the representations of SASES and the Friston Parish Council. The construction process will inevitably be lengthy, noisy and disruptive to local residents and visitors with significant increases in traffic movement, much of it heavy. I would agree that there are conflicting arguments for some of these factors but overall, I think the further inland any development is situated ,the greater collateral damage will be. I believe that it is essential that any consideration of this proposal be conducted in combination with other existing and pending power supply and transmission industry applications; and that the combined impact that these proposals will have on this fragile enviroment and its communities ,be fully assessed. The area has regenerated in the last ten years as a popular holiday destination, appreciated by thousands of visitors for it's tranquility and beauty. Long term, the power industry does not create many jobs, but it's presence, if not carefully controlled may well lead to a massive loss of amenity value for the area which will impact shops, hotels, restaurants, housing and local employment. Mitigation proposals as outlined by SPR are inadequate and unlikely to be achievable. In particular, growth rates for shelter belts appear to be over optimistic for this locality. Friston, already has a localised flooding and drainage issues which .because of its topography , are not easily solvable. A 30 acre concrete site is likely to exacerbate this. I make the point that once field capacity is reached (generally mid November) storage capacity fills up naturally so any further rainfall can result in flooding. Our local rivers demonstrate this admirably. In conclusion, my view is that these proposals should not be allowed to proceed without more detailed consideration and that it is essential that individual power company interests are only allowed to progress as part of a coordinated power supply scheme which minimizes damage to this beautiful area.