Consultation results

Most people had no comment on this question partly due to not being exactly clear on what the OTNR is. However those who did respond would mostly like to see more effort on a potential offshore connection option. There was a general understanding that North Falls was given a grid connection point by National Grid but also questions on how the project could influence the location of that connection. The fact that the proposed cables will be underground was positively received but this was counter-balanced by concerns around the visual and other impacts of the onshore substation. Updates on the progress of the OTNR were requested.

Of those who responded to this question, the main theme was around what is seen as a detour of the East Anglia Green route into Ardleigh and the preference either for a connection elsewhere, such as closer to the coast or nearer London, or the use of an offshore grid connection option. There was some concern around the use of agricultural land for the substation site, and need to protect local bird and wildlife, and a query on the landscaping proposed around the substation. The remainder of the respondents used this question to voice general support to the project.

There were few questions about the development consent application process, but of those questions asked, they covered the full spectrum from saying the process was too long and should be reduced to those wondering about how decisions are made, what is the level of local authority involvement and whether it was a waste of time. There were some comments around landowner engagement that will be taken on board by the project.