The scale of the proposed project will affect 10 different electoral divisions in Suffolk, and have a considerable impact on their communities.
These impacts go beyond the aesthetics of the project, including harm to National Landscapes, the consequences of HGV construction traffic on rural roads, serious implications on nine airfields, and the cumulative effects of other energy projects, in particular solar farms.
Notwithstanding the council’s overall objection to the scheme, it has also put forward comprehensive and detailed proposals to reduce the damage done to Suffolk’s communities and environment, should it be consented by the Secretary of State following an examination in public next year.
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, said:
“The submission of our formal response to this statutory consultation is the culmination of many months work listening to, and standing up for, Suffolk’s communities. Pylon-free solutions remain possible, and National Grid and Ofgem need to take these seriously and fully assess the options.
“I am grateful to members of the public, councillors at all levels, and our staff who have worked tirelessly across our communities highlighting the deficiencies of this scheme.
“From impacts on private airfields and public rights of way, through damage to our unique landscapes and ecology, and the impact on the setting of listed buildings and our farming community – all of these issues and more have been brought to us and improved the quality of our submission.”
Recent reports help to support the council’s position:
The ESO East Anglia Network Study by The National Grid Electricity System Operator, explored better ways to connect offshore wind in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex. The council previously stated that it was critical for National Grid to take these findings into consideration as they continue planning their Great Grid Upgrade, including the Norwich to Tilbury project.
The “Valued Landscape Assessment” of the Waveney Valley, commissioned by Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils, acts as a timely reminder to National Grid, of the need to respond effectively and robustly to the sensitivities of Suffolk’s landscapes and communities.
The Hiorns Smart Energy Networks report, commissioned by Essex County Council in close collaboration with Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils, suggested that it is possible for the Norwich to Tilbury project to be paused in order to consider alternatives.
Cllr Rout continues:
“The Hiorns report which we commissioned with Norfolk County Council, summarises that ‘there is the opportunity to pause development of the Norwich to Tilbury project’.
“This is something which must be recognised, so that the best possible solution can be fully explored to help provide energy security to the country, whilst being fair to, and supportive of, the many communities that will be affected.
“The proposals for this project do not go far enough. I will not stand for our communities being swept aside and ignored in the pursuit of unnecessarily, fast-tracked energy projects.”
The statutory consultation for the Norwich to Tilbury project closes today (26 July 2024), with an application submission expected to the Planning Inspectorate in 2025.
