August 25, 2010
England

Power plan has residents charged up

Lincolnshire Echo, www.thisislincolnshire.co.uk 25 August 2010

Fierce opposition is mounting towards proposals for a 40-acre electricity substation on the east coast.

RWE npower renewables is currently consulting with residents on potential locations at Sloothby, Great Steeping, Welton Le Marsh and Monksthorpe (near Bratoft) which will connect the proposed Triton Knoll offshore wind farm to the National Grid.

There was standing room only in Orby Village Hall as residents gathered for an update on the proposals by ward councillor Colin Davie and chairman of the parish council Mick Thomas.

Of particular interest was information given to residents on the proposed underground cabling routes which would link the wind farm to the substation site.

Mr Davie said: “The total cable channel is 50 metres wide, on top of that there is 35 metres to gain access to the cabling route and a further 200-metre width to deal with the electromagnetic field coming from the cables.

“This will change forever the area in which we live, it will devalue property for everyone and in terms of impact on jobs and the economy it will turn the Lincolnshire coastline into a grand power generating site.”

Several residents raised concerns that the map of cabling routes appeared to be going through their properties, but RWE said this is not the case as the map is now out of date.

Project manager Jacob Hain said: “Although the route of the onshore cables is still some way from being finalised, we have been able to identify some preliminary corridors which may be appropriate.

“The cable route will not be directed through people’s houses and the land will be returned to its former use following installation.

“The potential route for the cables will be considered once we have identified a preferred site for the substation.

“We will then invite local people to comment on the route through a second phase of consultation.

“Residents living within 400 metres of the cable will be contacted as part of this later consultation.

“It is our intention to undertake rigorous investigations and consult fully with the public on our proposed route next year.

“We will always endeavour to reach voluntary agreements with landowners to cross their land.

“National Grid determined that the south easterly area of East Lindsey was the appropriate area in which to offer RWE npower renewables a connection to the strategic electricity network.

“To do so they propose a new strategic link to ultimately connect Triton Knoll, Hornsea and Dogger Bank offshore wind farms.”

A drop-in session is being held at Willoughby Village Hall tomorrow from 7.30pm and 9.30pm to help people fill in consultation papers and sign a petition against the proposals.

URL to article:  https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2010/08/25/power-plan-has-residents-charged-up/