Policy 26 -- Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects

 

Purpose:   NSIPS are determined at the national level leaving local authorities and the communities directly affected dominated by national policies and the interests of strong private and state-owned corporations which have shown scant regard for the greater knowledge of impact that the local community brings nor for the very high price these NSIPs have on the local ecology and people.   Given the massive threat these projects are to Walberswick, the following sets out what we would like to see in how developers should present proposals including potential mitigation, monitoring, management plans and communication channels.

 

Policy:  Potential developers will be expected to show (beyond normal project assessments) particular consideration of the following likely impacts:

  • Short and long-term damage to the designated areas for nature and habitats and species and the ability to recover.
  • Landscape and effects on the National Landscape
  • Health and well-being considerations for the resident community, this should include:
    • Noise, dust, vibration from on-site works
    • Disruption to recreation, including footpath closures and diversions
    • Visual intrusion of the works
    • Anxiety for (especially older or vulnerable) residents
  • Traffic and Highway issues such as road closures, damage to surfaces and verges, removal of verge side trees and hedges, highway safety
  • Timing and length of the works and working periods.
  • Cumulative effects with other NSIPs, and potential co-ordination

 

In addition to the normal requirements, developers will be expected to provide for and be open to discussion with the Parish Council the following details of project design early in the development process:

    • Early receipt of detailed designs for highway works, haul road design, work access points, temporary and permanent
    • Location of compounds and equipment and reasonable alternatives
    • Expected noise, dust and vibration limits
    • Identification / avoidance of veteran and aged trees and hedgerows
    • Lighting
    • Mitigation methods