Suffolk County Council formally objects to Sea Link plans

A council has objected to the latest proposals for a major energy project.

Suffolk County Council announced its opposition to the Sea Link plans today.

It specifically referenced the proposed new bridge over the River Fromus at Saxmundham and the potential for construction work to take place on Sundays and Bank Holidays for its objection.

Sea Link would see the reinforcement of electricity transmission between Suffolk and Kent, primarily by an offshore current link but with onshore elements to bring the power into the network.

National Grid said it did not expect construction to take place on every Sunday and Bank Holiday, and changes to working hours would help the delivery of the programme by 2030.

Richard Rout, deputy cabinet member for nationally significant infrastructure projects, said: “The scale of the proposed bridge near Saxmundham is inappropriate, bringing with it unacceptable impacts on the landscape, the adjacent heritage such as the Grade II listed Hurt’s Hall, and the water environment.

“Our communities are likely to be impacted by Sea Link, and many other energy projects, for years to come.

“To hear that this project is planning to carry out construction work for 10 hours on Sundays and Bank Holidays, is unforgivable – residents and businesses need respite, or their wellbeing will suffer.

“We expect National Grid to carry out and publish a full review of alternative routes as soon as possible.”

Cllr Rout added, by considering other options, it would show all routes have been ‘looked into’ and the least harmful choice could be selected.

Plans for the bridge show it could be up to six metres in height and span across 150 metres.

National Grid said Sea Link is ‘essential’ in helping to meet government targets for clean power 2030.

A spokesperson said: “While we are proposing changes to working hours to help the delivery of this network reinforcement by 2030, we do not expect construction activity to take place on every Sunday or bank holiday.

“There will also be restrictions on the type of activity that can occur on these days to minimise disturbance.

“We will continue to work closely with Suffolk County Council and other local stakeholders to make sure that the proposed access into the Saxmundham site is the most appropriate, as we continue to develop our plans.”

National Grid recently concluded a fresh consultation for Sea Link, on August 11, which focused on design changes after the previous consultation from October 24 to December 18.

The spokesperson added National Grid will ‘carefully review’ all the comments and feedback from the latest round of talks with the public.