Representation by Nicholas Winter
- Date submitted
- 22 January 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
This proposal by Scottish Power Renewables (SPR) is a highly intrusive industrial development in this rural part of Suffolk. I fully support the representations made by SASES (Substation Action Save East Suffolk) concerning the proposal. My wife and I have lived in Friston for 30 years. Friston is, at present, an attractive, quiet, village in this lovely part of the Suffolk countryside. A summary of some of my particular objections follows: • Landscape: The proposed development will destroy the rural charm of the village, both by the construction itself and then because these large structures will be a permanent eyesore visible for miles. SPR’s proposed visual mitigation measures are almost useless and the views presented by SPR showing the "benefits" of their mitigation planting are highly selective. • Wildlife: the many likely impacts on wildlife will be detailed by SASES. For me, one of the rural delights of Friston is that one can sit in the church in the summer with the door open and listen to skylarks singing above. Skylarks are on the Red List of UK birds: “Red is the highest conservation priority, with species needing urgent action” (RSPB website). Once construction starts, skylarks will no longer sing over Friston. • Site Selection: a fundamental issue was the National Grid NG directing SPR to use the Sizewell grid connection. NG personnel have not attended any of the public meetings to explain their decision. The RAG process by which the site was apparently selected seems flawed and inconsistent. • Light Pollution: the construction process will be attended by floodlighting, affecting both humans and wildlife. This part of Suffolk is blessed with a dark night sky, with the Milky Way being visible on a clear night. Floodlighting will end that rural delight also. • Flood Risk: Friston is acknowledged to be at risk of flooding, even by SPR. However, their proposals to avoid flooding inspire little confidence. We, the residents, will be left with the consequences long after SPR has departed. • Substation Design/Noise: the structures proposed are 18 metres high. Why did SPR not propose lower structures as used elsewhere? Noise is clearly a potential issue; SPR seem unable to guarantee that no noise will be audible in any nearby property, surely an absolute requirement of any permission. • Cable Corridor: the construction involved in the cable corridor from the coast to Friston will impose much disruption in East Suffolk to residents and visitors alike for a period of at least three years, possibly much longer if other projects are included. • Cumulative Impact: this proposal is one of perhaps five others planned for the area, including Sizewell C. No consideration seems to have been given to the cumulative impact of all this construction activity on the people who live and work here. • Jobs and Tourism: many businesses will be impacted by the inevitable loss of tourism to the area. Who will want to go on holiday in a vast construction site? • Impact on People: residents of Friston, and beyond, will be seriously affected by this proposal. Our quality of life will be reduced by noise, dust and light pollution. Our property values will be reduced and may be unsaleable for years. These effects on a generally aging population will cause stress and other health issues. In summary, Friston is not an appropriate site for this project; the adverse effects it will cause are numerous and severe. The substations should be sited on a brownfield site near where the power comes ashore.