Representation by Mr Peter Carpenter & Mrs Dawn Carpenter
- Date submitted
- 14 February 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Relevant Representation This Relevant Representation is hereby submitted who wish to be registered as an Interested Party for the forthcoming Examination of the AQUIND Interconnector Development Consent Order ("the DCO") application submitted by AQUIND Limited ("AQUIND"). owners of the land known as Land on the South East side of Old Mill Lane, Lovedean, Waterlooville registered under Land Registry Title Number HP606300 ("the Land"). owner of Little Denmead Farm. Submissions in relation to the impact on Little Denmead Farm itself are dealt with under a separate Relevant Representation by the Owners of Little Denmead Farm as an organisation Interested Party. This Relevant Representation is concerned solely with the impact on . The Land is located on the proposed site of the Converter Station (Section 1) oppose the DCO on the following grounds: 1. Compulsory Acquisition The compulsory acquisition element of the DCO will affect a total area measuring 48,428 square metres. Over 11.25 acres (45,515 square metres) are to be compulsorily purchased (Plot 1-20) and 2,913 square metres will be subject to permanent landscaping rights (Plots 1-05 and 1-09). The field in Plot 1-20 which currently covers an area of 17.32 acres will be reduced by 65%, leaving just 6 acres. This will significantly interfere with Mr & Mrs Carpenter’s farming activities on the Land. The proposals are preventing re-introducing their herd of 80 cows back on the Land in case they need to be moved again. Combined with the impact on Little Denmead Farm described in the Relevant Representation by the Owners of Little Denmead Farm, the DCO will have a significant detrimental impact . They will no longer be able to make a living from farming due to a lack of land. At the age of 60, and a lifelong farmer, there will be limited opportunities open to find alternative employment with other local farmers. AQUIND have failed to demonstrate that the extent of the compulsory acquisition is necessary and proportionate, taking only what is required. AQUIND have failed to justify the need for permanent landscaping rights over Plots 1-05 and 1-09, when landscaping in the form of screening will planted along the northern edge of Plot 1-20, which prevents our client from being able to reshape the remaining parts of the Land. Part of the Land is used in connection with stabling, with safe riding routes through Little Denmead Farm. No information has been provided about what access rights will be granted to cross the Access Road or other land that will be compulsorily purchased. AQUIND have failed to demonstrate that all reasonable alternatives to compulsory acquisition have been explored. The disproportionate harm and loss of interest significantly outweighs any public benefit. Accordingly, AQUIND's proposed interference with their rights is not justified having regard to Article 1 of the First Protocol to the ECHR and does not meet the tests for compulsory acquisition. 2. Loss of Amenity reside in a caravan within the Little Denmead Farm farmstead. The noise and vibrations from construction traffic using the Access Road just metres away from the caravan will have a significant detrimental impact on their day-to-day lives during construction, together with the noise from the fans at the Convertor Station when operational. The Convertor Station will in effect turn an agricultural landscape into an industrial one which is likely to encourage further similar development in the vicinity, which is in very close proximity to the South Downs National Park. still willing to work with AQUIND to achieve agreement on reasonable terms to the satisfaction of both parties. However, if agreement is not reached wish to maintain their objection. reserve the right to make further detailed representations during the Examination stage of the DCO application.