“Dear Sir/Madam,
I write to let it be known that I have severe concerns regarding the routing of the proposed North Wales Connection, specifically to Section E (Ceint to Afon Braint, previously referred to as section 5) and I object to the erection of Pylons and new overhead transmission along this route.
I have outlined my objections below and trust that they will be given the consideration and attention that they deserve.
Section E. Ceint to Afon Braint
Adopting any overhead route other than along the line of the existing pylons would be unacceptable and it must be concluded that careful routing would not be capable of adequately reducing the effect of structures of this size in this area.
Adopting the proposed route identified as Section E would have serious impacts including:
• Placement of new pylons in a previously unspoilt part of Anglesey.
• ‘Boxing in’ the village of Star with pylons and wires, destroying far reaching views to the South and West.
• Dominating isolated farms and small scale settlements in direct contravention with Holford Rules and NPS EN-5.
• Passing unacceptably close properties including [redacted].
• Doubling the visual impact to both residents and visitors by crossing the primary access roads (A55 and A5) onto the island by with two series of pylons spaced 2km apart.
• Change the character of the settlements of Llanddaniel Fab and Star. A defining feature of these villages are their elevated position and broad reaching views over open, unspoilt countryside to the Snowdonia mountain range.
• The identified area is largely low lying and open land that can be viewed from many directions, this would highlight the over-bearing nature and adverse visual impact of any proposed pylons or sealing end compound located in this area.
Alternatives to Section E
Due consideration must be given to re-routing Section E alongside the existing transmission lines or placing this section underground.
Routing this section along the existing lines would:
• Address a number of the objections raised above.
• Allow any new line to follow the existing route right up to the existing A55 crossing point before potentially deviating from this route.
• Reduce visual impact by limiting the number of pylons standing alone in the landscape to approximately three (between the A55 crossing and a sealing compound).
• Have a negative effect on a number of properties, but no more so than those located along the proposed Section E.
Placing the proposed Section E underground would address a large number of concerns and is through open countryside.
I have serious objections to the proposed scheme and in particular the area highlighted above on of Social, Economic and Health grounds. A subsea connection would be appropriate mitigation of these risks.
Subsea routes are viable as the installation of new subsea routes are proposed between Caithness and Moray and also for the 385km Western Link between Hunterston and Deeside.
I believe the current Consultation process is flawed as the central and key decision (to route cables overland or Subsea) has not been given sufficient consideration.
”