SPS news – July campaign bulletin

Norwich to Tilbury transmission line

SPS has submitted its response to the statutory consultation. We call for a halt to the current proposals and for alternative methods – including off shore and undergrounding – to be given greater consideration.

In our response we refer to our Greening the Great Grid Upgrade report which is a detailed critique of the strengths and weaknesses of National Grid’s Great Grid Upgrade and how it might be improved to reduce the impacts on the countryside and ensure that impacted communities are properly heard.

We have copied our response to the MPs whose constituencies will be impacted and sent them our Greening the Great Grid Upgrade report.

Sea Link interconnector between Suffolk and Kent

SPS has strongly objected to the latest proposals for permanent infrastructure at the converter station site at Saxmundham. The decision to select the west access and increase the height and span of the access bridge, will result in serious harm to some of Suffolk’s most sensitive natural and historic landscapes and brings into question the suitability of the selected converter station site. Its construction will involve the permanent loss of mature woodland from the riverbank of the Fromus. It will also open up views of the converter station site from key views that have been identified in the Saxmundham Neighbourhood Plan including long views across Hurst Hall Park (grade II) and south from St John the Baptist church (grade II*).  The DCO application is now scheduled to be submitted for Examination in 2025 – more details on the project here.

Little Wenham

Conversions and alterations to existing agricultural barns to form 6 dwellings and holiday lets and to provide visitor facilities for Wenham Castle.

Following a consultation from Babergh District Council, SPS has visited the site with the agent and written in support of these proposals for a sustainable and viable long-term use for this nationally important group of buildings which now require conservative repair and ongoing maintenance. The intention is that ownership of the buildings will be retained by the family which will provide a continuity of care that will ultimately be a positive for this group of outstanding heritage assets. We also welcome that the scheme will provide an income stream to maintain the fabric of Wenham Castle, one of the oldest houses in England dating from the 13^th century, as well as associated services to facilitate improved public access.

Monks Eleigh

Outline application for 3 self-build dwellings.

SPS generally supports small residential developments in sustainable locations within villages, but has objected to this site as it is some way outside the built edge of the village on an area of meadow land which has been incorporated in the Monks Eleigh conservation area boundary.  We consider that extensive tract of meadowland either side of the river in the village remains a significant element of the character of the village and should be protected from further development.

The heritage section on our website has recently undergone an update to better highlight our heritage campaigns and achievements in Suffolk as well as celebrating the achievements of our Heritage Champions – take a look at the new section here.