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Advice to H J Turner

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Enquiry

From
H J Turner
Date advice given
3 October 2019
Enquiry type
Email

Dear Sirs East Anglia One & Two – Location of substations I wish to register my deep concern over the potential siting of the substations required in connection with your East Anglia One and Two projects. In particular, I see no rational reasons for locating one of the substations at Friston. This is unnecessarily close to the village of Friston and other small settlements. It would be a blot that would severely dominate this pleasant countryside. I believe that Sizewell is a much preferable alternative because: 1. It would be adjacent to the existing power station at Sizewell, so it would not alter the aesthetic environment in that region as dramatically as at Friston. The impact on Friston will be deeply destructive due to the visual impact and close proximity of the buildings and infrastructure, the severe damage caused by the roadworks and HGV traffic, and noise. 2. Sizewell is far and away our preferred option for the location of the buildings, etc. The great advantage of this is the already-established presence of the EDF power station, the simpler and less-disruptive adaptation of the road network and infrastructure and, above all, the minimised impact on the local communities in the entire area that is under consideration. 3. The land at Sizewell is right under the existing power lines of the National Grid, so it would be more easily and economically connected to the Grid. 4. A problem of flooding already exists in the village of Friston. Taking into account the contours of the region, and the clay substrata at the proposed site, I believe that the development at Friston is highly likely to exacerbate the problem and lead to severe and frequent flooding of the vicinity. This is not true of Sizewell. 5. The new road required to service Friston would have an even deeper impact on the communities and wildlife of the region than siting the substation at Sizewell. 6. Scottish Power raised an objection based on the AONB status that has been assigned to heathland at Sizewell. They are fond of referring to protecting the reptile population at Sizewell. As a local, I can assure you that the AONB is barely used by the public. In contrast, nearby Dunwich Heath is a large existing AONB and it would seem likely that the reptiles could be relocated from Sizewell to a section of the Heath. In short, I believe that Scottish Power are attempting to steamroller the development through for the benefit of their shareholders, with no consideration toward the interests of the community. Yours faithfully H.J. Turner

Advice given

Dear Helen Thank you for your email regarding the East Anglia ONE North and East Anglia TWO Offshore Wind Farms. The Developer ScottishPower Renewables has indicated that they expect to submit to The Planning Inspectorate a Development Consent Order application under the Planning Act 2008 (PA 2008), for the proposed East Anglia ONE North project which is currently in the pre-application stage of the process. If the application satisfies the tests, set out in PA 2008, the application will go through the process as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. The Developer ScottishPower Renewables has indicated that they expect to submit to The Planning Inspectorate a Development Consent Order application under the PA 2008, for the proposed East Anglia TWO project which is currently in the pre-application stage. If the application satisfies the tests, set out in PA 2008, the application will go through the process as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. During the pre-application stage of the process, the Developer may hold several rounds of consultation, not all of which are required to be statutory. The duties of the Developer during statutory consultation are set out in PA 2008. Any responses to pre-application consultation should be addressed to the Developer. If the application is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate there will be 28 days for the Planning Inspectorate to review the application and decide whether or not to accept it for examination. If the application is accepted to proceed to examination, there will be an opportunity for people to register to participate in the examination of the application. The examination period has a statutory maximum of six months, which is followed by a three month period for the Examining Authority to prepare their recommendation, and a three month period for the relevant Secretary of State to make a decision. If you would like more information about the examination process, please see the “Advice Note Eight: Overview of the nationally significant infrastructure planning process for members of the public and others” which can be found along with other advice and guidance on the Planning Inspectorate website, here: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/legislation-and-advice/advice-notes/ Kind regards Kate Kate Mignano Case Manager National Infrastructure Planning The Planning Inspectorate, Temple Quay House, Temple Quay, Bristol BS1 6PN Direct Line: 0303 444 5652 Helpline: 0303 444 5000 Email: kate.mignano@planninginspectorate.gov.uk Web: https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/ (National Infrastructure Planning) Web: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/planning-inspectorate (The Planning Inspectorate) Twitter: @PINSgov This communication does not constitute legal advice. Please view our Privacy Notice before sending information to the Planning Inspectorate.