Representation by Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB))
- Date submitted
- 18 July 2023
- Submitted by
- Non-statutory organisations
The Bramford to Twinstead Development Consent Order Application Planning Inspectorate Reference: EN20002 Relevant Representation from the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds 18 July 2023 1. Introduction The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (registered Charity England and Wales number 207076, Scotland number SC037654, ‘RSPB’) was set up in 1889. It is a registered charity incorporated by Royal Charter and is Europe's largest wildlife conservation organisation, with a membership of 1.15 million (RSPB Annual Report 2021-22). The RSPB manages 222 nature reserves in the UK covering an area of 159,000 hectares. The RSPB is grateful for the constructive pre-application discussions that have taken place with the Applicant, National Grid Electricity Transmission, in respect of the Bramford to Twinstead Development Consent Order Application (the Application), particularly through the public consultation process but also in addition to those requirements. 2. The RSPB’s status as an Interested Party The RSPB notes that it is an Interested Party by virtue of ss. 57(1) and 102(1)(aa) of the Planning Act 2008 due to its freehold ownership of land at Hintlesham Woods which is affected by the proposed development. 3. The RSPB’s interests The RSPB’s interests relate primarily to the works required to the existing swathe through RSPB Wolves Wood. Our concerns have significantly reduced with the elimination of route Option 2 through RSPB Wolves Wood/Hintlesham Woods SSSI from the proposals during the pre-application stage, however, we may wish to comment further during the Examination on issues including potential impacts on RSPB’s landholding and rights to be obtained by the Applicant and any impacts of the works on RSPB Wolves Wood/Hintlesham Woods SSSI or our ability to manage the site, including but not exclusively, through impacts on access routes. 3. The RSPB’s capacity to engage in the Examination Due to resource limitations, the RSPB regrets that it is unlikely to be able to attend issue specific hearings or to submit written responses at all Examination deadlines. We propose to engage with the Examination primarily through the agreement of a Statement of Common Ground with the Applicant, setting out clearly the initial areas of agreement and disagreement and revised near the end of the Examination to show our final position to aid the Examining Authority. 4. Note The RSPB reserves the right to add to and/or amend its position in light of changes to or any new information submitted by the Applicant. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds 18th July 2023