Representation by Deborah Provis
- Date submitted
- 26 January 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I have been a regular visitor to the Friston area over the last 25 years or so, as I have close friends who live on the outskirts of the village and will be directly affected by the Scottish Power proposal. Like them I am appalled by the proposal to build a sub-station at Friston which will result in the destruction of glorious countryside (including ANOB land, ancient woodland and the coast), damage this lovely village, and impact adversely the way of life for those who live there (both in the short term due to all the construction traffic, and in the long terms). The substations are too big and too close to a small rural village, they will overwhelm the village. I have observed the battle that the locals have had to get heard by Scottish Power - it has has not paid attention to the objections raised during previous consultations, nor seriously considered alternative locations, because they do not 'fit' their corporate priorities. Corporate priorities should be balanced by corporate responsibilities - to the local population directly affected, to our children and grandchildren's future enjoyment of this beautiful part of Suffolk. I support the building go wind farms which contribute to tackling climate change etc, but this should not be to the detriment of the countryside and habitats that we all cherish. There must be better ways to connect to the National Grid, and power companies should work better with central and local government to come up with alternatives, even if the costs are greater. At the moment, individual power companies are carving up large areas of the countryside and no one is assessing the cumulative impact of all these projects on local communities and countryside. It is time that all of us take a stand, whether directly affected by this project or not. While I do not live in the area, I love it. I have enjoyed walking and cycling, picking blackberries in the hedgerows, watching the birdlife, exploring the area. It is very special, and it risks being lost for ever.