Representation by Councillor Jacqueline Porter
- Date submitted
- 19 February 2020
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I wish to register as an Interested Party as the Cabinet Member for the Built Environment at Winchester City Council: all NSIP’s fall within my remit. Winchester City Council has submitted a detailed submission. I would like the Inspectorate to consider: 1. The impact of the large building on the countryside, so near to the National Park. I note that all other Interconnectors are on industrial type estates, and therefore I am challenging why this one should be sited as proposed. 2. The impact of the cable laying will be considerable. I am concerned about the impact of the heat of the outer side of the cable on the ecology-at both ground and below ground level. This is especially concerning because the land to the east of Denmead is marshy- even if the cable is buried deeper, I would like to be reassured that will have minimal effect effect on the ecology. 3. The impact of the cable laying on the road network. Reconciling a long period of disruption for local businesses, safety for children travelling to school, and the likelihood that all trenches will drop after a couple of years (especially if the clay base geology of this area dries out, or re-compacts) and the trenches will need refilling. Thus the period of disruption could be double that expected. 4. I would like to explore what can be done to mitigate the economic impact on the local businesses in Denmead whose custom is expected to decline throughout the construction period. In common with Hampshire County Council and other local Councils in the area, our Council has declared a Climate Change Emergency. In our pre application discussions with Aquind, we sought three major reassurances which have never been given. We are seeking reassurance on these matters:- 5. The interconnector will only transmit non carbon generated energy. 6. The construction of the Interconnector (both in building terms and electrical engineering) should provide vital education and skills programme n the form of apprenticeships, develop inspiring links from local FE colleges, and schools. 7. The community should be compensated in some way for the duration of the disruptive building programme and throughout the life of this considerably large building in the countryside. We were seeking a specific sum (annual or lump sum) to be agreed for distribution to the City and Parish Councils affected to improve environments and help them to reduce their carbon footprint too. This is in line with those provided by the energy generation processes and against this policy (EN1) by which this application will be judged.