Council submits a formal response to the Sea Link consultation from National Grid.

The National Grid Electricity Transmission plc ( NGET ) public consultation regarding the Thanet District Council’s Sea Link proposal has received a written representation from the district council. &nbsp,

The installation of a new cable link between Suffolk and Kent is part of the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project ( NSIP ) called Sea Link, which aims to improve the UK’s electricity supply. In addition, &nbsp,

The council does not decide whether the scheme is approved or rejected, despite the fact that it is a statutory consultee in this process. NSIPs are projects of a particular kind that are larger than an established size and are regarded by the government as being so significant and national in scope that permission to construct them must be granted at the national level by an accountable government minister. The appropriate Secretary of State will make the final decision.

If approved, a new underground high voltage cable will be installed near Minster from Pegwell Bay, connecting the station to the existing overhead electricity line for 2.25 km. &nbsp,

We are aware of the significant concern among our communities regarding the effects of National Grid’s Sea Link project, and the council shares this concern, said Cllr Rick Everitt, the leader of Thanet District Council. We want to reassure the locals that their opinions have been heard, understood, and are essential to our submission of consultations. &nbsp,

We understand that the electricity transmission network needs to be modified in order to meet growing demand and the transition to more environmentally friendly energy sources in new places. The proposed location on Minster Marshes, however, raises serious questions about the size of the converter building and its effects, the significant impact it will have on the habitat of protected wildlife and species both during and after construction, and the potential alteration in the landscape’s character.

” A sizable number of outstanding surveys and reports covering a wide range of topics have unknown results. Before the final options are chosen, such as the scale, orientation, and finish of the converter and substation, pylon design, access routes, mitigation methods, management plans and security measures, we have asked to be kept informed and given the chance for further engagement. &nbsp,

Given the scant information available at this time, it is challenging for us to evaluate and comprehend the precise effects of the Sea Link project.

If the application is submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for review by NGET, additional work will be required, such as the creation of a Local Impact Report. A panel of inspectors chosen by the Planning Inspectorate will review the application and provide the Secretary of State with a recommendation. The Planning Inspectorate’s <a href="https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Advice-note-8.0.pdf?fbclid=IwAR05rZWMmt26AN-2yblkzu05aXGHeuzGlnviU4jv-G3Jl9Ltis51ewuMcy8″>website has more details on the procedure for anNSIP.

The complete consultation response from the council is available here. The consultation came to an end on Monday, December 18. &nbsp,

Council submits formal response to National Grid’s Sea Link consultation