Representation by Edward Cattermole
- Date submitted
- 26 January 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I have no objection to the construction of offshore wind farms but to the onshoring of such facility and its effect on the countryside. The proposed construction by SPR will create one of the largest substations in Europe on an historic landscape. This is unprecedented. It demands intense investigation. I adopt all the submissions made by SASES and Friston Parish Council There are seven Grade 2 listed properties encircling the SPR/NG site dating from mediaeval times. One, High House Farm, was constructed within the curtilage of an older 13th century dwelling and is crossed with ancient paths to the Church. It is surrounded by very old moats and ponds. The property and environs harbour birds (owls/birds of prey), toads, stoats, ferrets, otters & muntjac deer. SPR/NG site: Construction work will occur on the very boundary of some properties and the impact will be devastating. No mitigation temporary or permanent mitigation could ever remedy the damage. Cumulative impact: SPR and NG plan a series of constructions at Friston which will be a hub or plug and socket for a series of ventures. The Authority must resist attempts by SPR/NG to argue that this is a one-off and determine the extent of these plans and assess impact cumulatively. There is no joined up Government thinking or strategy to protect the environment. Green energy risks becoming dirty green energy. Construction: The lengthy periods spoken of will destroy the peace for the much of the current residents’ lives. There is no protection against dust and noise. There is no protection against light pollution. The view for some will be obliterated. The area will be blighted by traffic congestion. In real terms people will lose the amenity of their homes for years. This devastation is multiplied if the Authority permits the developments to be considered consecutively. Post-construction: The vast scale of the sub-station with 18metre high buildings (eg harmonic filters) will dominate the local landscape. Mitigation through planting is futile. The planting of trees will fail to conceal this monolith. In any event it would take decades for planting to mature. We already hear humming and crackling from the pylons and the inevitable increase in noise will blight the peace. The ancient footpaths will disappear. The substation will be lit and will create permanent light pollution and SPR/NG have made no effort to reduce the scale of the construction. The locality: The substation will bring zero long term wealth to the area. It will blight tourism and will deter inward investment (who will wish to live near Friston?). It will harm capital values of properties.