​Scottish Power Renewables have reacted to strong objections to their plans to support these windfarms by building substations inland away from the coast at Friston by running an additional Phase of Consultation ‘Phase 3.5’ which includes the proposal to site the substations on land to the west of the Sizewell.  The Phase 3.5 Consultation has been extended and will now run to 12th November.
SPR’s amended SoCC (Statement of Community Consultation) reflects the ‘alternative option’ of siting the substation at Broom Covert, Sizewell in the AONB. It also sets out the proposed construction traffic and transportation aspects of the projects which are very concerning to the Society. Irrespective of which site is chosen for the substations, it is now clear that the plan is to route HGVs used in the construction of the landfall site at Thorpeness from the A12 down the A1094 to Aldeburgh and up the B1122 to the B1353 and to Thorpeness.
This means HGVs coming into Aldeburgh down the Saxmundham Road and turning at the Roundabout to take the Leiston Road. SPR claim that the route is wide enough to allow two way HGV traffic.  Aldeburgh residents know full well that this is not credible. In addition the Roundabout is always congested and is used by schoolchildren on their way to and from Aldeburgh primary school, residents going to the two supermarkets and the pub as well as those using the Jubilee Path.
This new consultation has revealed just how damaging these proposal are for the entire region and the Aldeburgh Society will be objecting strongly to what is emerging as a plan to turn East Suffolk into an Energy Hub.emerging as a plan to turn East Suffolk into an Energy Hub.
Check out the update HERE.
And the Society's response from August HERE.
The traffic and transport fact sheet is here   
​We will be repeating our original objection that “Buildings of this type should not be built in an AONB and the NPPF states that development in an AONB should only take place in exceptional circumstances.  We note that the substations for EA1 (South) are being placed many miles inland and we would recommend a similar approach for these proposed wind farms. The substations should be sited away from villages and well screened.” And adding our objection to the proposed transport route.
Residents are urged to fill in SPR’s feedback form on
https;//www.scottishpowerrenewables.com/pages/ea_one_north_phase_3_5_consulation.aspx
And/or to email: Heading: EA Two & EA One North Phase 3.5 Consultation
[email protected]
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​The Planning Inquiry sat for six days in the Community Centre from 11 September to 19 September to hear MS Oakes Ltd’s appeal against the refusal of planning permission for the proposed development for 43 new homes in the clay pit at the old Brickworks off Saxmundham Road. The Aldeburgh Town Council, supported by the Aldeburgh Society, were represented by planning consultant Neil Ward and leading counsel. Society members and other local residents were out in force to hear the arguments put by all sides and Suffolk Coastal District Council put up a strong case in defence of its decision to refuse planning permission. The decision is expected before Christmas.  A big thank you to those who contributed to the cost of our representation.
More information on our dedicated page.

The Aldeburgh Society and others strongly objected to the proposal to site the substation to support these windfarms inland away from the coast and to the choice of Zone 7 (Friston) in particular. It seems that the campaign to oppose the siting of the substation at Friston has had some effect as Scottish Power have announced that they are to run an additional Phase of Consultation ‘Phase 3.5’. SPR have announced inclusion of EDF land to the west of the Sizewell Power station, as an alternative location for onshore development of substations/grid connections. Phase 3.5 Consultation will run from the 29th September to 29th October. SPR have released an amended SoCC (Statement of Community Consultation) to reflect the ‘alternative option’ land.A series of public meetings will take place in October to provide more details and opportunity for community/stakeholder engagement. 

Check out the update HERE.
And the Society's response from August HERE.