Suffolk communities ignored by approval of controversial Sea Link project

Suffolk County Council has expressed deep disappointment after the government approved National Grid's Sea Link project despite sustained objections from local communities and clear evidence of the adverse impacts on local communities.

The council maintained its objection throughout the examination process and submitted detailed evidence regarding the impacts of the proposed development on Suffolk communities, infrastructure and the environment.

Suffolk County Council repeatedly raised concerns surrounding the project's proposed access arrangements, impacts on local communities, environmental effects, construction disruption and the cumulative impact of multiple major energy infrastructure projects being concentrated in Suffolk.

Councillor Tristan Gale, Cabinet Member for Planning, Devolution and the Fire Service said:

"We are deeply disappointed that the voices of local residents, parish councils and local authorities have ultimately been disregarded.

"Throughout the examination the county council presented detailed, evidence-based concerns regarding the impact this project would have on residents, infrastructure and the wider environment. We remain firmly of the view that significant issues have not been adequately addressed.

“This decision sends a worrying message that communities can participate fully in the planning process, present extensive evidence and still see their concerns overridden.

"Suffolk carries a disproportionate burden of nationally significant energy infrastructure proposals. Time and again residents have been asked to accept disruption, landscape change and construction impacts in pursuit of national objectives.

"Many of the concerns raised by the council and local stakeholders remain unresolved at the close of examination. It is extremely upsetting that residents now face years of disruption from a scheme which we do not believe represents the best outcome for Suffolk.

"Our focus will now be on holding National Grid to every commitment made during the examination process and ensuring local communities receive the protections, mitigation and accountability they were promised."

The council will continue engaging with National Grid and other relevant bodies to ensure that impacts on residents, businesses, transport networks and the environment are minimised wherever possible.

Suffolk County Council will also persist to advocate for a more strategic and coordinated approach to the delivery of nationally significant infrastructure in Suffolk.