Stage 1 Consultation Response Deadline Tuesday 17th September 2024 |
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Here is how to obtain the feedback form along with a list considerations for completing your feedback. Aim to submit your form as soon as possible. If you need support, reach out to us on the website or through social media. Considerations for completing your feedback. Include all the areas where the scheme will impact you, some impacts we believe you may want to consider are: Landscape & biodiversity Unique Amber Valley landscape – The Peak Fringe Important and dramatic views from the A61 and in the valley Rare mixture of woodland, pasture, rivers, brooks, lowland meadows, species rich and diverse priority habitats. Important biodiversity – Ogston Reservoir (a site of Special Scientific Interest with recordings of over 236 different species of birds), ancient woodland and priority lowland meadows sustaining protected wildlife and habitats
Historic Buildings Impact upon the character and setting of historic buildings e.g. Ogston Hall, Wingfield Manor and other important buildings in the valley Heritage and planning constraints currently protecting the landscape.
Importance as a local amenity Impact the local economy Income from holiday lets/ AirBnB Cafés, pubs, restaurants, farm shops Tourists, ramblers, cycling groups, bird watchers This income is critical to maintain the existing landscape and character of the area
Agricultural impact Farming income from diversifying into tourism and environmentally friendly farming methods will be challenged without income from tourists, communities, provenance This will lead to poorer more intensively farmed landscapes
Health and Wellbeing Impact of close proximity to the high voltage cables on health/ wellbeing Impact of the sound pollution from the cables Impact on mental health through loss of these amenity areas.
Irreparable damage will be caused not only during construction but for future generations. Provide feedback in your own words on those elements above that you think will be adversely affected by National Grid’s Pylon proposals. Give your own specific examples where you believe it will personally affect: you your property or land, especially if it is unique or historic your land, especially if it is important to landscape/biodiversity your view of historic buildings (in particular if you have a view of grade I or grade II* properties.) your business or income your family, friends or community your health and wellbeing wildlife and ecosystems
Please note - Don’t concentrate your objections entirely on the cables spoiling your view, as this is not typically an argument that will stop pylons being introduced. |
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Spread the word and let your voice be heard When you have sent in your own feedback to National Grid please encourage others to do the same: neighbours, friends, community, ramblers groups, local groups or events, visitors etc. Reach out to the wider community, these Pylon’s will be visible for miles and miles. Make sure you contact your local councillors, council, MP’s to make your objections known. Be aware: Don’t let your support of wind power, green energy and ‘Net Zero’ stop you from putting in an objection - Save Amber Valley Environment are supportive of green energy and improving the network infrastructure but we feel very strongly that there are logical alternative routes that National Grid could use that will be less damaging to the environment and a much more viable option.
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Below you will find some key information in respect of the proposal: National Grid (NG) proposal summary: UK Government are committed to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050 Decarbonising the energy system is a vital part of this scheme Power historically generated from fossil fuel power stations (such as in Trent Valley) Green energy generated from wind and solar such as offshore windfarms in North Sea Great Grid Upgrade required to transmit green energy from source to where it is needed NG obligated to transmit a green reliable long term supply. Upgrade required by 2030 As a part of this upgrade a new transmission line is required to feed Chesterfield NG have considered 10 options for this supply (EDN 1 to EDN 10) EDN 2 (Chesterfield to Willington) selected for new 400kv route using above ground pylons NG identified 8 preliminary routes and have selected the one through the Amber Valley A graduated swathe of this route has been issued for public consultation and feedback Following review, a final proposal will be presented to the Secretary of State for approval. Local planning approval is not required Your views must be taken into account if you submit feedback as described at the beginning of this newsletter Construction will commence in 2026 and the line will be operational by 2030.
The Willington to Chesterfield route is 60km long of which 6km is through the Amber Valley. The route consists of 50m high steel lattice pylons every 300m, with 7 lines of cables. Under the Electricity Act 1989 NG have to consider efficient, coordinated economical solutions with regard to People, Location and Environment (and provide a return to their UK and American Shareholders). They are required to: Avoid the largest areas of highest community value Avoid large settlements Allow space to accommodate reasonable straight line lengths of pylons Follow existing infrastructure corridors such as the M1 or existing 132kv lines Avoid smaller areas of high community value and residential properties
The Electricity Act 1989 Section 38 Schedule 9 states that in formulating any proposal: - they shall have regard for the desirability of preserving natural beauty, of conserving flora, fauna and geological or geophysical features of special interest, and protecting sites, buildings and objects of historic or archaeological interest AND: - shall do what they reasonably can to mitigate any effect which the proposal would have on the natural beauty of the countryside on any such flora, fauna, features, sites, buildings or objects The Holford Rules and National Policy Statement EN 1 and EN5: NG should comply with the Holford Rules 1959, which are: Avoid altogether areas of highest amenity value (National Parks etc) Avoid smaller areas of high amenity by deviation (AONBs) Choose the most direct line with no sharp changes in direction Be positioned against tree and hill background Prefer open valleys with moderate tree cover Be kept as far as possible from smaller lines Approach urban areas through industrial zones
NG must comply with Overarching National Policy Statement for Energy EN1 and EN5 2024 EN 1 sets out factors that influence routing: In these areas and where harm to the landscape, visual amenity, natural beauty of these areas cannot be avoided by rerouting overhead lines, the relevant section should be underground.
EN5: 2023 makes clear the Holford Rules should be followed. For further information: NG information points: |
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Support usIf you have any knowledge, information, expertise or want to offer your support, please come forward. We are reaching out to as many organisations/businesses/local figures to gain understanding and gather information as well as raising awareness. If you feel you can support in some way please reach out to us. | | |
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Donate We expect that we will need to reach out to specialists Consultants to support in this objection and we are raising funds to make this possible. | | |
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Follow us Please follow us as we share more information that we find, share your opinions, images and experiences of the valley |
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