Representation by Mr Patrick Steen
- Date submitted
- 20 January 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am writing to you with regards Scottish Power Renewables (SPR) planning application EA2- PINS DCO application with regards the Friston Substation and register as an interested party. I wish to object to this application on the following grounds; The building of the SPR substation and National Grid inter connector is a major construction project that should not be placed in the middle of an unspoilt rural location recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty ('AONB'). The reasons being; The planned site is far too close to Friston, a thriving village with great historical interest. In effect it will blight the village. The local footpaths will be destroyed and local wildlife such as Badgers and Bats will be displaced. SPR has shown little concern for any of these issues. Noise pollution. There will be a constant loud hum from the the site that will blight all the surrounding areas. Light Pollution. There will be constant 24/7 lighting of the site which will cause major harm to both humans and nocturnal wildlife such as owls and bats. Destroy the peace and tranquillity of the area. Flooding. SPR has shown very little concern over the risk of flooding to the village and surrounding areas. The impact that this will have on the village is enormous. The potential for home owners in the village not being able to get flood insurance or to have to pay much higher premiums has not been addressed. Traffic and Transport. The whole road network around the site and along the pipeline route from Thorpness to Friston is rural and unspoilt and is a major part of the charm of the area along the Suffolk coast. It is totally inadequate for this size of construction project and the vast increase in traffic movements, for a prolonged period of time, that will be required to service this construction. This traffic increase will blight the area for miles around and will severely damage the main industry and employment in this beautiful area which is based on tourism. SPR have tacitly shown that they are aware of this by the amount of “Road improvements” that they accept will be needed. SPR has shown a complete lack of concern with how the increase traffic will affect the area or come up with any proposals as to how they will effectively police their contractors/employees, making sure they stick to the correct routes and not use local villages and back roads as “rat runs” or what sanctions would be imposed on contractors who do not follow their instructions. Landfall and Cable Trench. The choice of landfall for the cables at Thorpeness is flawed. Again the destruction of footpaths, ancient woodlands and wildlife along the route is unacceptable. The timescale for building the cable trench for the project does not fall into the category of temporary. Site Design. No attempt has been made to reduce the impact of the site by using more up to date technologies.