Suffolk County Council has formally objected to National Grid’s Sea Link project, because of proposals for the building of a new bridge and for construction work to take place on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
The scale of a new permanent access bridge across the River Fromus is deemed hugely disproportionate. Plans show that it could be up to six metres in height with a span of over 150 metres, including embankment.
Updated plans from National Grid also revealed that core working hours are being proposed to include 7am to 5pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
The council’s communities are likely to be impacted by Sea Link, and many other energy projects, for years to come. Residents and businesses need respite.
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Deputy Cabinet Member for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects
In response to Sea Link’s latest public consultation which has just closed, the council has submitted a 29-page document outlining these and a variety of other potential impacts, that the scheme would have on local communities and the environment.
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s 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”.
“We expect National Grid to carry out and publish a full review of alternative routes as soon as possible. At the very least this would show all options have been looked into, and the least harmful choice has been selected.”
“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.”
In its response, the council adds that roads will be subject to construction traffic seven days a week. This provides no relief for locals or visitors who want to enjoy the Suffolk Coasts and Heaths National Landscape, and will disrupt local amenities and tourism.
National Grid expects to submit its application for development consent in early 2025.
