Suffolk Parish Councils Write To BEIS SoS Regarding Energy Proposals
45 Suffolk Coastal town and parish councils have written a co-signed letter to Kwasi Kwarteng the new Secretary of State at BEIS regarding contentious energy proposals in Suffolk.
Proposals include Sizewell C & numerous offshore wind farms, all of which require huge onshore industrial development and damage to the AONB. All this at a time when Prime Minister Boris Johnson has called for more protection of the UK countryside.
Why is it different for Suffolk? Our protected landscapes are under threat #SuffolkDeservesBetter
The 45 town & parish councils have concerns about the sustainability of the coastal corridor and the Suffolk Coast & Heaths AONB (protected landscape), the unpreparedness of the area with it’s compromised infrastructure (poor roads, poor rail and poor community services).
The town & parish councils have sent an open invitation to Kwasi Kwarteng to visit the area to see how the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, our tranquil countryside and our local economy will be affected by major power projects. The letter has been forwarded to East Suffolk Council and a copy of the letter can be read below:
Rt. Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP
Secretary of State for Business Energy & Industrial Strategy,
1 Victoria Street,
London, SW1H 0ET
3rd February 2021
Dear Secretary of State,
We, the undersigned 45 town and Parish Councils in Suffolk write to congratulate you on your appointment and, in the context of a rapidly changing policy environment, warmly invite you to visit our beautiful area at the earliest opportunity.
As BEIS Secretary of State – our third in less than a year – you are well aware of the three projects under, or about to be under, examination by the Planning Inspectorate: Scottish Power Renewables’ two applications for onshore infrastructure at Friston to support offshore windfarms EA1N and EA2 plus a new National Grid sub-station, and EDF’s application for twin nuclear reactors, Sizewell C. There are also plans to connect a further 6 offshore projects at Friston.
More broadly, your Department has major policy initiatives ahead, including the review of delivery of offshore wind power, implementation of the Prime Minister’s 10 Point Plan and the Energy White Paper, and the review of a suite of National Policy Statements, including EN1.
Recent statements suggest you understand Suffolk’s substantial, and contentious, role in energy delivery. We would like to show you how we believe the Suffolk Coast & Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, our tranquil countryside and our local economy will be affected by these major power projects. We know that industry representatives have regular access to Ministers and BEIS officials, so we believe that it is reasonable and appropriate as local communities to request the opportunity to share our views, and we look forward to welcoming you to Suffolk.
Yours sincerely,
Cllr Tim Beach, Chair, Snape Parish Council
Snape PC, Church Road, Snape, IP17 1SZ
on behalf of
Aldeburgh TC
Aldringham-cum-Thorpe PC
Barsham & Shipmeadow PC
Benhall & Sternfield PC
Bredfield PC
Bromeswell PC
Bungay TC
Campsea Ashe PC
Chillesford PC
Cookley & Walpole PC
Corton PC
Darsham PC
Dunwich PM
Farnham with Stratford St Andrew PC
Friston PC
Great Bealings PC
Great Glemham PC
Hacheston PC
Kelsale-cum-Carlton PC
Knodishall PC
Leiston-cum-Sizewell TC
Levington & Stratton Hall PC
Little Glemham PC
Marlesford PC
Martlesham PC
Melton PC
Middleton-cum-Fordley PC
Parham PC
Pettistree PC
Rendham PC
Rendlesham PC
Saxmundham PC
Snape PC
Sutton PC
Theberton & Eastbridge PC
Walberswick PC
Walderingfield PC
Westerfield PC
Westleton PC
Wickham Market PC
Wissett PC
Woodbridge TC
Yoxford PC
Butley, Wantisden & Capel St Andrew PC
Brandeston PC has already sent a signed copy of this letter in support
Copy to: Craig Rivett, East Suffolk Council, Richard Rout, Suffolk County Coun