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Advice to Karen Crennell

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Enquiry

From
Karen Crennell
Date advice given
13 August 2024
Enquiry type
Email

Dear Sir/Madam I am writing this in relation to the proposed Kent Sealink DCO application. I am deeply concerned and object to the completely unsuitable location of the Minster marshes for this proposed converter station to built upon. This is an area of marshland a flood plain it is also an incredibly important and densely rich wildlife area , with high recorded numbers of birds and mammals on the red list for endangered species. The proposed course for open trench cables will also go directly through an area designated as sssi, and will be absolutely and irreversibly devastating to this extremely important wildlife habitat. I don't feel sufficient surveys have been undertaken. This location has been opted for because it is the cheapest but will be the most costly environmentally. To bring green energy which is supposed to be working with the environment. I would like to add that I am a resident in Richborough, Sandwich, along the bank of the river stour, I am extremely concerned for the increased risk of flooding. The river already over the past two years floods on high spring tides. I fear this risk will vastly increase with construction of converter station. The railway runs very closely to the banks of the river stour here, so will be increased risk of damage and interruptions for national rail. They have already needed to reinforce the bank and build a flood defence wall. Which I do not believe will stand up to an increased and higher level of flooding. I would like to know why other Brownfield far more suitable locations have not been chosen? There is also now to be an increase of height by two metres for the entire sight. This will require vast amounts of aggregate. On top of the already vast amounts needed. I am very concerned for pollution to the area as well as increased flood risk. I would like to know what type of aggregate will used and its source? The route for all the construction vehicles and vehicles bringing tons of aggregate , the local roads and terrain is not designed for this heavy vehicle use? To conclude I am in agreement for the need of green energy but I feel the construction of a converter station at this proposed site on the Minster Marshes is at a far too greater cost to the local natural environment. It will have a detrimental and irreversible impact that no amount of mitigation could ever solve. I please ask you to re think sea link. Kind Regards Karen Crennell Local resident.

Advice given

Dear Karen Thank you for your email. The proposed application for the Sea Link Project is currently at the Pre-application stage of the Planning Act 2008 process. Further information about the process can be found in the link below to the National Infrastructure Planning website: The stages of the NSIP process and how you can have your say. The Planning Inspectorate is unable to consider representations about the merits of any application until it has been submitted and accepted for Examination. As the application has not yet been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate your first point of contact should be the developer (National Grid), and we would encourage you to contact them directly: Email: contact@sealink.nationalgrid.com Telephone: 0808 134 9569 Post: Freepost SEA LINK It is important that the developer is made aware of your comments at the Pre-application stage to enable them to consider the points raised before finalising their proposals and submitting the application. If you have not already done so, we advise that you submit your comments to National Grid at the contact details above. Their consultation period was from 8 July - 11 August 2024 but we would still encourage you to contact the Applicant directly. Should the application be accepted for Examination you will be able to register as an Interested Party by submitting a relevant representation. This must be submitted on the ‘Registration and Relevant Representation form’ which will be made available on the project webpage of the National Infrastructure Planning website at the appropriate time. Further information about registering as an Interested Party can be found in the Planning Inspectorate’s ‘Advice Note: Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects: How to register to have your say and make a relevant representation - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) You may also find it helpful to subscribe to us to receive email notifications for key events that occur after an application has been submitted to the Planning Inspectorate. This can be done by selecting ‘Get Updates’ on the Planning Inspectorate’s project webpage and then entering your email address: Sea Link - Project information (planninginspectorate.gov.uk). Kind regards