Hundreds join protest against energy projects

Groups Stop Sizewell C, Saxmundham Against Needless Destruction, Suffolk Energy Action Solutions, Together Against Sizewell C and Walberswick Against LionLink came together

Hundreds of demonstrators joined forces to protest against the potential cumulative impact of several energy projects in Suffolk.

Campaign groups met at Snape Maltings protesting against National Grid's Sea Link and Lion Link interconnector projects as well as Sizewell C and Scottish Power's plans for an offshore windfarm.

It took place on the first day of a two-day hearing as part of the Planning Inspectorate's examination of Sea Link, which could see 90 miles (145km) of undersea cables between Suffolk and Kent if approved.

Tom McGarry, deputy director for external affairs at National Grid, said it was listening to concerns.

Gordon Young, of Saxmundham Against Needless Destruction, felt the projects were "destructive" to the community

Gordon Young, of Saxmundham Against Needless Destruction, believed there had been no co-ordination between those in charge of the various energy projects.

"We're inundated and it's a terrible situation because on multiple levels the communities are having to deal with all these energy projects and there are lots of people who are not able to fully understand the impacts and the implications," he said.

"To try and get everyone engaged is very difficult because you have these projects happening all at the same time on different levels."

Fiona Gilmore, of Suffolk Energy Action Solutions, feared for those living on the front-line of the projects

Fiona Gilmore, of Suffolk Energy Action Solutions, said there had been a "fantastic" turnout with more than 450 there.

"People are desperate, the anxiety levels are unbelievable," she said.

"We have people seeking help because if you're living on the front line, even if you're not on the front line, these projects are going to have an incredible impact on your life."

David Boden of Trust Farm believed there had been no co-ordination between the various projects

David Boden has seen his farm near Middleton cut in half by the new Sizewell link road and, once the road is completed, National Grid plans to dig a cable trench between the road and his house as part of Lion Link.

Lion Link would see a power line between the UK and the Netherlands, connecting offshore wind farms in the North Sea.

He described his situation as "madness".

"We take a massive financial hit on our business and they are here making hundreds of millions at my expense," he said.

"If this has got to be done for the country, I don't mind doing it, but these companies are here to make a profit and they're not co-ordinating.

"They don't care frankly."

Tom McGarry from National Grid said it was listening to residents' concerns across Suffolk

Mr McGarry said National Grid had taken on board "a lot of the points" raised by people and had "made changes to our proposals in Suffolk".

"We have to with our project have careful regard to the impacts that are being made by those projects," he added.

"We all want to bring forward schemes that will limit the amount, or indeed avoid, any impact on local communities."

The protesters said there could be "devastating" effects from the various projects

The planning examination into Sea Link continues on Thursday at Snape Maltings Concert Hall where officials will hear from interested parties.

The views will be taken on board as part of the process to determine whether the Development Consent Order is granted or not by central government, which gives the final approval on major infrastructure projects.