Suffolk Residents Protest Energy Infrastructure Development

Approximately 200 activists convened in a Suffolk town on Saturday to demonstrate against proposed electricity substations. The LionLink and Sea Link projects include plans for converter stations to be erected on the periphery of Saxmundham and a substation in the adjacent area of Friston. National Grid, the organization proposing these plans, stated that the projects are vital for fulfilling the government’s clean power target. Conversely, local residents advocating against the infrastructure’s placement in their town claimed its impact would be “considerable”. Charlotte Fox, from Saxmundham Against Needless Destruction, stated that the energy projects would affect “the population, economy and environment” and yield “no gain” for the region. Fiona Gilmore, a campaigner affiliated with Offhsore4sure, labeled the project “disproportionate”. “It is about 30% of Britain’s energy coming through a historic market town,” she remarked. Saxmundham town councillor John Findlay conveyed that the council held the view that the projects were situated in an unsuitable location. He explained, “There are a whole variety of views in town. Some people believe we should fight it tooth and nail. Others are saying it’s going to happen and we should try to get as much mitigation as we can.” He concluded, “We are not opposed to energy restructuring but we think these are in the wrong place.” East Suffolk Council member Tom Daley stated: “The problem is this part of Suffolk is being turned into an energy super-hub.” He added, “All is not lost. We are talking to National Grid and all applicants to bring everything together in a strategic way which is best for our environment and communities.” A National Grid spokesperson affirmed: “We will work closely with Suffolk County Council and East Suffolk Council to ensure any construction work would be completed with minimal disruption to surrounding areas, subject to approval from the Planning Inspectorate.”