Hello Please see below my comments on the proposed electricity network project between Suffolk and Kent Permanent infrastructure. In the past Thanet has been the victim of developments that have become obsolete almost before work began on them; I fear this proposal bears all the traits of being another scheme that will destroy the area’s identity and become obsolete after a short time. Or worse still will lay the foundation for future development and exploitation of the surrounding area. We are told that there are no other viable options available, but as far as I know, none have been fielded by you, despite alternatives being suggested and it is not clear why this is and the Sufflok site are ones that are suitable. You have stated that waterlogged ground is not suitable for this type of development and yet your proposal is to use marshland. You have suggested that as this is the case, in order to stabilise the converter station, subterranean pillars 20 meters deep will be needed. Where will the aggregate (gravel) come from that will be needed for this? The area where you propose to make land fall is adjacent to a nature reserve that has a Unesco RAMSAR designation; even the land on which the derelict hoverport stands and which you propose to use as construction and maintenance access has become a haven for wild life. There seems to be little account made of the precious ecology in the area, valuable salt marsh and land that supports a great variety of wildlife and flora and that have developed over hundreds of years. This site should be protected as a valuable resource for all. There will also be a loss of agricultural land, which seems to fly in the face of the current move to improve our food security. The proposal dwarfs the surrounding villages and countryside and will destroy much prized leisure / recreational space, adversely affect local businesses, We are told that there are no other viable options, but none have been fielded by National Grid, despite suggested alternatives from the likes of Sir Roger Gale and others. Construction and maintenance work: There would be considerable disruption to traffic through Cliffsend and Minster, both of which are villages whose roads are already under considerable pressure due to the amount of new housing being built. I understand that footpaths will be closed for years With regard to the construction work – the heavy machinery is likely to cause great damage to land that has been sensitively farmed or managed. During the Nemo project (which I understand was another of your schemes) areas of the salt marsh were damaged and have still not recovered. Mitigation, enhancements and approach to biodiversity net gain. There was proposed mitigation for the damage caused during the Nemo project which was not delivered, so I don't have confidence that you will carry out mitigation with any kind of commitment and indeed what historically what happens is that wildlife is expected to move over and over again. What are the enhancements you are proposing? You have already destroyed a Osprey nesting site at the decommissioned Richborough Power station, which would indicate that there is no respect for wildlife at all . Yours sincerely Fran Kimmons

Dear Fran Thank you for your email. The proposed application for the Sea Link Project is currently at the Pre-application stage of the Planning Act 2008 process. Further information about the process can be found in the link below to the National Infrastructure Planning website: The stages of the NSIP process and how you can have your say. The Planning Inspectorate is unable to consider representations about the merits of any application until it has been submitted and accepted for Examination. As the application has not yet been formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate your first point of contact should be the developer (National Grid), and we would encourage you to contact them directly: Email: [email protected] Telephone: 0808 134 9569 Post: Freepost SEA LINK It is important that the developer is made aware of your comments at the Pre-application stage to enable them to consider the points raised before finalising their proposals and submitting the application. If you have not already done so, we advise that you submit your comments to National Grid at the contact details above. Their consultation period was from 8 July - 11 August 2024 but we would still encourage you to contact the Applicant directly. Kind regards Louise Harraway Case Manager