Representation by Mitcham Contracts Burwell Ltd (Mitcham Contracts Burwell Ltd)
- Date submitted
- 17 March 2022
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
CB120307 - Land at Fordham House, Fordham – Book of Reference Plot Numbers 16:11, 16:13, 16:14 Owner: Mitcham Contracts (Burwell) Ltd 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 Fordham House. For the Land at Fordham House, 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 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. • Width of easement. At this property, rights are proposed to be acquired over a width of 55m. This is well in excess of what is appropriate, or required, for the laying of an underground cable. This has been raised and no evidence has been provided as to why this width is required, or whether it can be later reduced. This land adjoins commercial property that is likely to expand and so an easement width as proposed will have a significant effect of future expansion and detrimental in land value. • Injurious Affection. The property has planning permission (ref 19/00935/FUL and 14/01115/FUL) for change of use and new build commercial facilities. The property adjoins a roundabout, where it is reasonable to believe, that in the future, a large-scale commercial development be achievable. The rights required for the cable easement will in effect sterilise any potential development adjoining the roundabout. We reserve the right to submit additional concerns and objections in due course, that are not listed above.