Representation by John Swann
- Date submitted
- 26 January 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Dear Sir / Madam, Re: East Anglia Two and (East Anglia One North) I wish to object to this planning application for the reasons outlined below: 1. The location of Friston for a large industrial substation complex. Friston is a small rural village in the Suffolk landscape close to Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The proposed substation development will dominate the vicinity of the local community and surrounding area. 2. Proposed cable trenches scarring the landscape over a vast swathe of the Suffolk landscape and the potential destruction of environmentally sensitive areas, including wildlife corridors which are under increasing pressure from continual development within this area. 3. Unsuitability of local roads for use by construction traffic, much of which will be Large Goods Vehicles and Plant Equipment. Given that this is a rural / agricultural area which we accept with its inherent large agricultural vehicles there is already constant pressure on the local network of classified B and unclassified minor roads. Additional large vehicular traffic on these roads over the proposed development period will only add to the congestion, pollution levels and damage to the roads. 4. Displacement of local and tourist vehicular traffic trying to avoid conflict with construction traffic and seeking alternative routes for their journeys. This in itself will increase the potential for pollution levels within local communities, including schools and village halls. 5. Industrialisation of the Eastern region Suffolk / Norfolk in the pursuit of renewable energy. The impact on local communities of up to seven energy projects continuing for twelve to fifteen years. A blight on local communities and activities. 6. No overall strategy by national Government and National Grid in relation to renewable energy. A bidding process for those companies involved with renewable energy who then pursue their own infrastructure agenda. No joined- up thinking. Why should blighted local communities be accepting of this approach purely because those involved in the process believe the lowest bid option is the best way forward. Right thinking people realise that we cannot continue as we have in the past and that renewable energy is the way forward to safeguard the environment for future generations. However, it is important that the decision makers now consider their impact on local communities, countryside and wildlife. Other options such as brownfield sites, offshore ring main connections to the National Grid or current infrastructure sites ie Sizewell. Government, Local Authorities and business need to develop a more strategic and integrated approach to planning for renewable energy and the green economy.