Representation by M R Mitcham (M R Mitcham)
- Date submitted
- 17 March 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
CB329988 - Breach Farm, Burwell – Book of Reference Plot Numbers 17:03, 18:01, 18:02 Owner: M R Mitcham Occupier: B C Mitcham Farms 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. Bidwells are engaged with Sunnica’s agents, on our client’s behalf, in heads of terms negotiation for the granting of easement over the affected land at Breach Farm. For Breach Farm, 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. The landholdings affected are predominantly arable areas. There must be no potential impact on the farming activities by the cable. The cable should be laid to a minimum of standard agricultural working depth, being 1200mm. • 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. These have a material impact on value and potential use of property. • 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. • Scheme design. A significant area of Breach Farm is currently marked as being potentially required for access or temporary working areas. In many areas these appear poorly thought out, and without concern for farming practice. Bidwells have had extensive experience in the A14 and A428 compulsory purchase processes, where initial poor scheme design has led to unacceptable impacts on landowning clients. Sunnica must take a proactive and measured approach to negotiation over route design and implementation. We reserve the right to submit additional concerns and objections in due course, that are not listed above.