Local Issues

16 Oct

IFA2 ENERGISATION

It was a real honour to be able to attend and take part in the energisation of the interconnector with National Grid UK at Solent Airport, Daedalus with Energy Minister Kwasi Kwarteng and MP
Caroline Dinenage.
IFA2 is a 1,000 MW high voltage direct current (HVDC) electrical interconnector running for 149 miles between the British and French transmission systems. It will provide enough clean energy from France to power 1 million British homes, avoiding 1.2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions annually equivalent to planting 50 million trees. IFA2 has been in construction since 2017. The number of man hours contributed to the project to date is 3,213,936.
The substation is at Chilling near Warsash. It is connected to the converter station at Solent Airport, Daedalus via underground cables running under the Solent and receives AC current into the grid.
While controversial at the planning stage this vital piece of infrastructure has been provided on time and within its £700m budget. The technology is absolutely cutting edge and the valve, DC and AC halls are a sight to behold as are the thyristors which switch the current between AC and DC.
One of the prerequisites for this project was that it shall have no adverse effect on airport operations. Thankfully that has been proven during the energisation process. There will also be a fantastic open space provided at Daedalus Common and a super children’s playground.
06 Oct

EYERSDOWN FARM, BURRIDGE HOUSING RECOMMENDED FOR REFUSAL

I am pleased to announce that the Planning Committee next Wednesday will be considering a recommendation of REFUSE for the erection of 38 houses on this countryside site. This follows the receipt of 76 letters of objection from local residents.
The report states that the proposals are contrary to 11 different policies in the Local Plan and specifies 8 reasons for refusal including it being in the countryside, in an unsustainable location, advese effect on the landscape, adverse effects on Protected Sites and lack of mitigation for disturbance of reptiles known to be on the site.
29 Sep

HGV DIVERSION FOR M27 NIGHTTIME CLOSURES

I have received a number of complaints about the incorrect diversion route being used for M27 motorway closures which is sending over-height “double decker” HGVs via the A27 Bursledon railway bridge near Swanwick. A bridge height below 16 foot 6 inches cannot accommodate these lorries and there have been instances of them meeting the 15 foot 9 inch bridge and needing to turn around which is inconvenient and disruptive.
Highways England claim the agreed diversion route is via Swanwick which is simply not correct. The appropriate route is via the A3051 through Burridge to Botley. Signage will now be corrected for future closures starting next week to sign over-height HGVs onto Botley Road from the Kam’s Palace roundabout.
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