Representation by Philippa McLardy
- Date submitted
- 21 January 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I am a Thorpeness resident and Aldringham cum Thorpe Parish Councillor. While supporting renewable energy generally, I do not think the proposed site at Friston is the best choice for ScottishPower Renewables’ substations, or that the best place for cables to make landfall is the sensitive area north of Thorpeness. I am also deeply concerned about the lack of cooperation between the diverse companies proposing future projects in the same area. Before any works begin, it is imperative to identify and minimise the cumulative disruption that will make life extremely difficult for residents (many elderly) possibly for decades. As well as devastating life-style, businesses and landscape, there will be unquantifiable impact on wildlife, sea and plant life, which may never fully recover. Landfall site:- Despite assurances that the SPR cable will pass underneath the cliff north of Thorpeness, bringing it ashore here will mean increased traffic over a piece of unstable coastline, where landslips occur regularly. During landfall works, construction processes will ruin a highly-valued area , Thorpeness clifftop Common and Aldringham Walks, turning these from much-loved zones of peace, tranquillity and abundant wildlife into places bounded by an industrial site. The Coastal Path will be disrupted. This will cause considerable distress to many regular users who walk, birdwatch, picnic, fish and generally unwind in the area. The much-loved annual August caravan camp will also suffer. Disruption to residents:- Traditional cottages in Sizewell, originally to be protected from disturbance, will now suffer the cable route and site access road running along their boundaries. This will also apply to properties adjacent to the cable route further inland towards the Friston site, notably in Aldringham around listed Aldringham House. There will also be destruction of woodland here. Even supposing thorough restoration of cable route land, it will be decades before the area as a whole recovers. Traffic:- While the Thorpeness to Aldringham Road (B1353) will not now bear the brunt of HGVs, it is extremely likely that Thorpeness and Aldringham will experience considerable traffic increase from employees and contractors working at the site and occupying former holiday accommodation. Parts of Sizewell within our parish will, however, be inflicted with a huge burden of increased traffic with associated noise, fumes, and danger from HGVs. Tourism:- Tourism will inevitably suffer. The cliffs and beach are popular with day-trippers and holidaymakers renting properties or staying in local hostelries. However, few will choose to come to an area where the beach and its immediate environs are an industrial construction site with the accompanying noise, dust, traffic and 24 hour light pollution. In particular, Beach View Holiday Park, Sizewell, which will have the new cable route running close to its boundary, will be seriously detrimentally affected. Fishing:- Fishing areas will be severely restricted for commercial fishermen out of Sizewell and Aldeburgh, including those setting lobster pots close to the Ness, and stocks will be affected long after works ceases. Leisure fishermen will also have to relinquish a large section of the beach where they normally set out their rods.