Representation by Anglian Energy Planning Alliance (Anglian Energy Planning Alliance)
- Date submitted
- 24 January 2020
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
The Anglian Energy Planning Alliance objects to SPR’s proposals asset out in their DCO application on the following grounds. The AEPA works in support of many of the interested parties opposed to the intended SPR onshore development centred at Friston. We are therefore well placed to offer opinion on the cumulative impact of this and the 5 other associated energy projects including Sizewell C on the region , owing to our work with campaign groups, residents, local media and many other sources . The impact of a compulsory development in our Heritage Coastal region under the NSIP banner cannot be underestimated. This legislation when created was not intended as a way to concrete over large regions of rural Britain . Whilst it is accepted that offshore renewable energy is an exciting part of our future , this should not be at a disjointed irrevocable cost to the region chosen to host the onshore infrastructure. Whether from an environmental, social , economic ,or indeed practical point of view, it is beyond reasonable doubt that this region is an extremely sensitive area and not one which can easily absorb any kind of major industrial development without complete destruction of the existing harmony. The level of consultation and preparation so far shown by SPR has been derisably poor and they have failed on numerous fronts to address in their application the concerns and questions of the local population and authorities. There exist extremely serious concerns about many issues including for example : 1/ Socio economic. - Damage to tourism ( the major driver of employment in the region)/ no new jobs created on shore /possibly nett job loss scenario / destruction of the ability for the local population to live without major disruption for 12-15 years of consecutive construction as well as the permanent loss of our renowned landscape. 2/ Traffic - this is a rural farming and tourist area. The roads/ junctions are not designed for or robust enough to take the heavy traffic of such a major development such as envisaged. During peak tourist season and harvest there are already long delays at many pinch points, none of which seem to be of concern to the applicant . 3/ Environment - how is it possible to be considering destroying rare habitats and species by digging up miles of AONB/SSSI areas in these enlightened times , without even considering brownfield alternatives? 4/ Pollution - the scale of operation intended will create serious light and noise pollution, some of which will be permanent. 5/ the ability of the National Grid to be the common denominator of all these projects and be in effect creating an enormous energy hub in a rural area, and yet not be required to make their own individual planning applications, nor being subjected to some scrutiny as would be the norm under the usual planning process. 6/ lack of planning - it has been evident to Government ( and evidenced) for almost 10 years that some kind of major onshore infrastructure planning would be required to handle the supply of offshore wind power . There are many more windfarms planned in the coming decade - a number of them off the East Anglian coast, yet still no plan exists... It is time to address these issues and not make East Suffolk , the Heritage Coast , a thing of the past.