Suffolk Coast is under Threat

Suffolk Energy Action Solutions (SEAS), founded in August 2019, is a community group set up to campaign against the severe adverse impacts of ScottishPower Renewables two offshore wind projects, East Anglia One North (EA1N) and East Anglia Two (EA2). SEAS is in favour of offshore wind energy but against the current proposals for the delivery of that wind power to the grid which will have a devastating impact on our onshore environment, local tourist economy and coastal communities.

The official Examinations of these two wind farm projects by the Planning Inspectorate (PINs) finally drew to a close on 6 July 2021.  The findings, conclusions and recommendations arising from the Examinations, will be sent to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (The Rt Hon. Kwasi Kwarteng MP) no later than 6 October 2021.  The Secretary of State then has a further three months to make the decision on whether to grant or refuse development consent.

SEAS is calling for the Planning Inspectorate to recommend to the Secretary of State a ‘split decision’ so that:
1. The offshore turbines are recommended for consent. This will mean that no time is wasted in respect of construction of the turbines.
2. The onshore infrastructure is rejected in favour of full consideration of better locations for this infrastructure where the adverse impacts are minimised at a brownfield or industrialised site.

The Threat

The onshore cable routes for both projects gouge through the fragile cliffs north of Thorpeness and trench 9 km inland to the substation site, the medieval village of Friston.  This substation site is currently planned to be 3 TIMES THE SIZE OF WEMBLEY STADIUM and will inevitably grow if approved.  Ten communities will be hemmed in by the construction of haul roads, cable routes and substations for up to 15 years and probably more. It is unclear why a coastal area with an important nature-based tourism economy, rich in wildlife, was chosen over a brownfield site more suited to industrialisation.
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Cumulative Impact

If these two projects are approved then they open the flood gates to an onslaught of future energy projects. There are currently seven offshore wind energy projects and interconnectors that are widely believed to be planned to connect to the Grid at Friston. With the addition of Sizewell C, this will become the largest complex of energy infrastructure in the UK.
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Environmental Impact

The current plans to connect these offshore wind projects to the Grid are excessively destructive, gouging 9 km inland through the Thorpeness Cliffs, Suffolk Coastal Path, the Suffolk Sandlings and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty to arrive at the substation site of Friston in the midst of untouched countryside.
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Economic Impact

Offshore wind will undoubtedly bring a positive national and regional economic impact and we welcome the regeneration possibilities for Lowestoft as a centre for the renewables industry. However, evidence suggests that new energy projects on the Suffolk coastline could impact the local tourist economy by up to £40 million per annum.
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Community Impact

People have chosen to live in the midst of countryside free from the noise, lights and sites of an industrialised landscape. The substation site and cable corridors are no more than 30m from gardens, a Parish Church, a medieval village, a primary school and a care home. The rural character of Friston village will be torn asunder.
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The Way Forward

There are better alternative sites and solutions. SEAS is calling for a ‘split decision’ so that:
1. The offshore turbines are recommended for consent.
2. The onshore infrastructure is rejected in favour of full consideration of better locations for this infrastructure at a brownfield or industrialised site.
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Planning Examinations

The official Examinations of these two wind farm projects by the Planning Inspectorate (PINs) finally drew to a close on 6 July 2021.  The findings, conclusions and recommendations arising from the Examinations, will be sent to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (The Rt Hon. Kwasi Kwarteng MP) no later than 6 October 2021.  The Secretary of State then has a further three months to make the decision on whether to grant or refuse development consent. Read more

BEIS Review

A specific objective of the SEAS campaign has been to call for a Review of offshore wind transmission infrastructure. Finally, in July 2020, a Review was called by the Department of Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS); the Offshore Transmission Network Review (OTNR).
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Latest News

ScottishPower Renewables (SPR) are clearly commencing ‘Ground Investigation Works’. The distress caused by this is a tiny foretaste of what is to come if we do not stop these plans.
There is massive concern that this drilling will damage the aquifers that lie under the ground here.
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Yes to Offshore Wind Energy, Let's Do it Right