Representation by Hannah Russell-Smith
- Date submitted
- 29 October 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I object to the proposals. I agree with the views expressed by CowfoldvRampion, our community action group, and support the evidence they will provide in Written Representations and verbally at hearings. Alternative Substation sites They will argue that Rampion have not properly considered the alternatives. As part of the development falls within the SDNP , Rampion must consider the alternatives(NPS EN-1 Mar 23, section 5.10.31). Further, the Secretary of State should be guided by whether there is a realistic prospect of the alternative delivering the same infrastructure capacity, including energy security, climate change and other environmental benefits, in the same timescale (section 4.2.22). CowfoldvRampion will demonstrate that there are suitable alternative substation sites which can be used in the same time frame or potentially less and which are far less damaging ecologically and to communities. There is also good evidence that they did not consider this properly before choosing the site. They also now recognise the extent of the flooding on this site, and the existence of a public footpath across the site (see Design and Access statement doc ref 5.8). None of this was taken into consideration when looking at the ‘engineering constraints’ which informed their choice of substation location. I would like to see the topic of Alternatives taken forward as part of a Principal Issue in the Examination and ask that you please allow local knowledge testimony on this subject at the hearings. I would also like to request a site visit to Oakendene and a topic-specific hearing at the Village Hall in Cowfold to properly examine the consequences of the proposed substation and it impact on Cowfold, its community, businesses and environment.