Consultation results

Again half of the respondents were happy with the proposed methodologies and had limited feedback other than to be comfortable with horizontal-directional drilling as a process and relieved that the cables would be buried for their full length. In terms of concerns with the proposed methodologies, the main issues were around the impact on the farmland and countryside during construction, closure of any footpaths or bridleways and also any potential noise or other pollution. There was also a comment around any longer-term impacts on agricultural land into the future.

Respondents not living in the area close to the proposed substation location did not tend to comment on either the location or surrounding area as they were either unfamiliar with the area or had no issues/felt it looked reasonable. Those who did comment were concerned it was not a suitable location for electrical infrastructure and felt it would add negatively to the existing 'wirescape'.

This question received some very specific and useful responses that included suggestions around: replacing a cast-iron water main; ensuring a known dormice hedge route remains undisturbed and not blocking, diverting or impacting a specific drainage ditch. There were further calls for coordination with the Five Estuaries project in terms of utilising the same route and for reduced impacts on agricultural land.

There were questions around why the existing regulations mean an offshore grid connection is not feasible, which relates to current government legislation and planning regulations that are under review as part of Offshore Transmission Network Review. While most did not answer this question, the responses from those who did were primarily positive to the concept providing it did not impact marine life or create too much offshore infrastructure or create offshore restriction zones.