Environment, Waste Management and Economic Development Scrutiny Committee 19 th January 2010 Suffolk County Council’s role in the consultation process being undertaken by National Grid

What is National Grid Consulting on? National Grid proposes to make an application to the Infrastructure Planning Commission (IPC) in 2011 to build a new 400kV O/H transmission across South Suffolk This is National Grid’s consultation, that SCC along with other statutory bodies and members of the public are being asked to respond to

What is the process? IPC procedures require applicants to undertake and demonstrate the outcome of extensive public consultation exercises prior to submitting their application 2 stage formal consultation: Stage 1 on four route corridor options 27 th Oct 2009 – 28 th Feb 2010 Stage 2 will consider a more detailed route alignment for the selected corridor and preliminary environmental information, Spring 2011 Statement of Community Consultation (SOCC) Sept public meetings, and briefings for all Parish Councils

What is the process continued? Announcement by National Grid on their preferred route corridor spring/early summer 2010 Second consultation by National Grid on a detailed alignment and preliminary environmental information late 2010-March 2011 Application by National Grid to IPC for Development Consent Order summer 2011 Preparation of Local Impact Report by Local Authorities summer 2011? Decision by IPC Spring 2012

What has SCC done? Produced a joint press release with Babergh 20 th Aug Commented on Draft SOCC and obtained an extension to the proposed consultation period Tour for Cabinet and local councillors 4 th Dec, initial reactions Asked Councillors to arrange for comments to be fed back to us as well as National Grid Subsequently also reinforced by Portfolio Holder Pressed National Grid to put the results of public consultation on their website Challenged National Grid’s conclusion that a new overhead line is the only feasible means of reinforcing the electricity supply network

What has SCC done? (continued) Challenged National Grid’s approach to route corridor selection Presentation to Babergh locality meeting 5 th Jan, further views from councillors Met with Infrastructure Planning Commission 13 th Jan Liaised with Essex CC, Braintree DC Babergh DC and Mid Suffolk DC Liaised with Natural England

What has SCC done? (continued) Collected and considered over 250 letters and s from local people Responded to questions from members of the public, local groups and their representatives Taken views of local people and councillors into account in framing the recommendations to Cabinet