Representation by B C Mitcham Farms Ltd (B C Mitcham Farms Ltd)
- Date submitted
- 17 March 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
CB459227 - [Redacted] Owner: B C Mitcham Farms Ltd Bidwells is instructed by the Mitcham family to act as their agents with regards the Sunnica scheme. A number of their properties are affected by the scheme. These properties are held in different ownership structures. Each unique ownership structure will have an individual representation submitted, although we reserve the right to, in the future, amalgamate representations into one single detailed document. Breach Cottage has been associated with Breach Farm, which forms part of the Mitcham family landholdings. It is now occupied by a third party under an Assured Shorthold Tenancy. For Breach Cottage, at this point in time, we wish to raise concerns over the following. • Proposed working practices. We have been unable to ascertain the exact works programme for the laying of the cable across any of the properties owned by our client. Whilst Breach Cottage is not directly on the line of the cable, it is immediately adjacent due south. It is surrounded by areas currently proposed as required for temporary access. Access to, and enjoyment of Breach Cottage during the works process will be significantly impacted. A detailed works plan should be reasonably agreed with our client. • Degree of variation. The area with permanent rights to be acquired has considerable degree of variation. This does not seem reasonable or appropriate. Bidwells have had negative experiences on previous compulsory purchase schemes, such as the A14, where an unnecessarily expansive degree of variation had led to rights being granted over areas of land not ever required. Given how close Breach Cottage sits to this area, such an expansive degree of variation will have significant impact on the property and its use. • Method of acquisition. Currently Sunnica aims to obtain the cable easements by negotiation. However they will have compulsory purchase powers to acquire these rights, if granted by the DCO. We are concerned that Sunnica will lack an incentive to reasonably negotiate, when they can ‘fall back’ on compulsory purchase powers. We reserve the right to submit additional concerns and objections in due course, that are not listed above.