As a conservation group the GPA is seeking the most favourable solution for the countryside and the least obtrusive impact on the landscape of south Suffolk
The GPA takes the collective view, having consulted locally and received feedback since early September 2009 from the thirteen villages that it represents as well as others in the area, that:-
· the proposals for corridors 3 and 4 are the most damaging for the countryside, creating as they would a new scar on the landscape; and
· relatively speaking, corridor 2 is the least worst solution, involving as it does the taking down of an existing power line and replacing it with a new, albeit larger, power line with fewer pylons
However, the GPA is also very conscious that corridor 2 runs through picturesque countryside, including an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Therefore, although the Alliance will be vigorously objecting to the proposals for corridors 3 and 4, it will also work with other local campaign and conservation groups to:-
· ensure that as much as possible is done to minimise the effect of any new line on corridor 2 using modern technology; and
· seek to improve the existing situation along corridor 2 – for example, by undergrounding as much of the chosen route as possible, especially in sensitive areas along that route such as the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
As part of its strategy, the GPA is running a proactive, structured and focussed campaign to protect the south Suffolk countryside from the further blight of overhead power lines. It is therefore:-
Raising public awareness
· public meetings:
The GPA’s first public meeting on 29th September, 2009 attracted around 200 people from around 15 villages
At the GPA's second public meeting on 23rd November, 2009 more than 230 people from some 24 villages attended.
Further meetings will be held to update people on the progress being made by the GPA
- press: updating communities by communicating with the East Anglian Daily Times whose pylon campaign we are supporting, and others including Suffolk Free Press
- website: which will be updated regularly to report on the GPA’s progress
Building an alliance of villages
The GPA is currently representing the villages of Groton, Kersey, Edwardstone, Boxford, Aldham, Milden, Chelsworth, Whatfield and Semer. We have received enquiries from other villages and currently expect others sharing the GPA’s aims to join our campaign in the coming weeks.
Engaging with National Grid
The GPA is in regular dialogue and correspondence with National Grid to ensure that it:-
- provides sufficient information on the overhead line proposals
- properly consults with the people and landowners of south Suffolk
- is held to account in observing its statutory responsibilities under the Planning Act 2008 and Electricity Act 1989
Employing professional advisers
The GPA draws upon the professional expertise of the advisers it has retained for the campaign, including:-
· Macfarlanes, a London firm of solicitors with expertise in the planning and environmental fields
- LDA Design, environmental and landscape consultants
- technical and planning consultants
Lobbying local MPs, county councillors, district councillors and parish councillors
Speaking to other stakeholders
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