It concludes that “the length of the Waveney Valley expresses many special qualities, and in the context of Suffolk and Norfolk, it is considered to be a valued landscape. Conserving and enhancing the special qualities articulated in this report is a key aspiration of existing planning policy.”
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Environment, said:
“This report underlines the value of this beautiful landscape, shared across Norfolk and Suffolk. The findings will help to shape how decisions are made about the area, and how developers large or small should recognise and respond to the special qualities and significance of this unique landscape when designing their proposals.
“The publication of this report is a timely reminder to National Grid, as they continue to develop proposals for the Norwich to Tilbury pylon scheme, of the need to respond effectively and robustly to the sensitivities of our landscapes and communities.”
Details of the study highlight that parts of the Waveney Valley have a particular uniqueness, rivalling those of other nationally protected landscapes. These include the wooded upper reaches west of Diss, the historic meadows at Hoxne and Syleham and the expansive Mendham Marshes.
Councillor Richard Rout continues:
“The county council’s long-stated preference for cable routing remains the timely and effective delivery of an offshore alternative. Or potentially the use of high voltage direct current underground cabling, as suggested in the recent ESO East Anglia Network Study, which would require less cabling.
“The Norwich to Tilbury process should be paused in order to consider all these options – something which is wholly possible, as set out in Hiorns Smart Energy Networks report, also commissioned by Norfolk and Suffolk County Councils.
“This latest study of the Waveney Valley helps to support the case for undergrounding of the pylon line through the area, should that be needed. Its findings will inform the council's response to the current Norwich to Tilbury consultation.”
