The proposed underground cabling route for the Viking Link project
East Lindsey district councillors indicated that they would not support plans for an electricity network between Denmark and Lincolnshire in their current form due to potential damage to the Lincolnshire Wolds and impact on local businesses.
Councillors on the authority’s planning committee voted by a margin of eight to four against the Viking Link scheme at a meeting in Manby on Thursday, May 3, with their comments set to be passed over to the government.
The Viking Link is a proposed 473-mile long electricity interconnector between Bicker Fen near Boston and the substation Revsing in southern Jutland, Denmark.
Electricity would pass through cables under the North Sea, arriving on the Lincolnshire coast next to Sandilands Golf Club south of Sutton on Sea in East Lindsey.
Underground cables passing through the districts of East Lindsey, Boston, North Kesteven and South Holland would carry the electricity around 41 miles to a new converter station before it is connected to the existing National Grid substation.
Planning applications were submitted to all four district councils in August 2017, with both South Holland District Council and Boston Borough Council indicating their support for the project.
Councils have been instructed by the government not to grant planning permission without specific authorisation. This allows the application to be referred to new Housing Secretary James Brokenshire for a final decision.
A number of public speakers raised concerns about the impact on farms where the cabling would pass through, and the potential to damage the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Councillor Grover, who is not a member of the committee, said: “I strongly believe that the routing needs to be reconsidered and redirected.
“Let me make this very clear. Viking Link is not a nationally significant infrastructure project. It is not needed, it is not essential and it is not economically feasible.
“I feel the current route has been chosen as the simplest option. This option if approved will quite simply have a negative impact on the Wolds and the residents who live and work there.”
Councillor Jim Swanson, East Lindsey Independent Group member for Halton Holegate, was concerned about road safety on the A16.
He added: “I think it would be a distinct benefit to residents if we could keep the lights on so I think it has merit. I’m extremely worried about the damage it’s doing to commercial activities, particularly agriculture up and down the route. I feel there has to be some kind of compensation.
His colleague, Councillor Jill Makinson-Sanders, who represents Louth St Marys, said: “I think we all support the idea of Viking Link but we’ve got misgivings about the route. We are the only Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the East Midlands and it is our duty to protect it.”
Councillor Neil Jones, Conservative representing Sibsey and Stickney, supported the proposals.
He said: “I think this is nationally important in that we’re going to get a supply of electricity to the country. I think the infrastructure can be repaired – I know it leaves a scar for a short period of time but I’m sure the companies will do everything to reinstate the Wolds as we know them.”
North Kesteven District Council will be the final council to consider the Viking Link plans, and is expected to hold a meeting in the next few months discussing it.
In the last few weeks, a final investment decision on the project has been delayed for Viking Link partners Energinet and National Grid to seek “further clarity” on planning consent in Lincolnshire.
This means a probable delay in the £1.6 billion project co-funded by the European Union.
National Grid Viking Link has said that the scheme would reduce the cost of electricity and provide low carbon energy for one million households.
Spotted an error? Please notify us by selecting that text and pressing Ctrl+Enter.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
The Lincolnite welcomes your views. All comments are reactively-moderated and must obey the house rules. Please stay on topic and be respectful of other readers.
A man was allegedly kicked and punched during a vicious attack in Lincoln, suffering multiple injuries to his face and head.
A group of men chased the victim, a man in his 20s, to Shuttleworth House on Stamp End Lincoln at around 8.30pm on May 14, where he was attacked. Police said they believe it was an unprovoked assault.
Police published CCTV images on June 14 in connection with the incident of grievous bodily harm. The force said they would like to speak to the two men/youths pictured.
Do you recognise these two young males? | Photo: Lincolnshire Police
They are described as being white and in their teens/early 20s. One male was wearing blue jeans, a dark ribbed hooded jacket and a two-tone sweater, possibly Adidas.
The second male was wearing grey sweat pants, a dark hooded tracksuit type top with motif on the left of the chest.
Anyone with information, or who believes they know the identity of either of the two pictured males, should contact police on 101 or via email at [email protected] quoting occurrence number 21000267095.
Alternatively, it can be reported through the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online here.
Tributes and messages of condolences were left after the tragic death of a 32-year-old man whose body was found near Doddington Hall, close to Lincoln at the weekend.
Shailesh Chauhan was reported missing on Saturday, June 12 before police revealed the following day that a body was found, although formal identification had not yet taken place at the time.
Police said his death is currently not being treated as suspicious and Shailesh’s next of kin have been made aware.
Close to 100 tributes and messages of condolence were posted on The Lincolnite and to Lincolnshire Police.
Mandy Lee said: “Very sad. RIP young man. Love and thoughts to your family and friends. So much death in recent times in our area and I feel for those who found the gentleman and for officers who have had to break the devastating news to family.”
Sharron Marron said: “Condolences to the person’s family and much love and respect to those who have been involved in the location of this person. So very distressing and terribly sad for everyone.”
Garry Mitchell said: “RIP sir, this is so sad. Seems to be much too much of this in Lincoln, a few this week. It looks like there aren’t enough services out there for people in this sad situation and more help for mental health issues.”
Amanda Horton said: “RIP. Thoughts are with his family and friends who have had to deal with this.”
Caroline Elkington said: “So incredibly sad. Deepest condolences to his dear family. RIP.”
Jean Christine Jones said: “Forever young. May he rest in perfect peace. Sincere condolences to family and friends.”
A mobile vaccination unit will be set up in Lincoln temporarily to help with the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
The vaccination bus will be in the car park of Bridge Central, on the corner of Portland Street and Charles Street, starting on Saturday, June 19 between 12pm and 3pm.
It will be in place for the next four Saturdays (12pm-3pm), allowing anyone who has not yet had their first dose, and is eligible to do so, to get jabbed without booking.
The vaccination bus will be at Bridge Central car park in Lincoln. | Photo: The Lincolnite
The bus will be provided by St John Ambulance with staff from local GP practices providing the vaccinations, all set up by NHS Lincolnshire Clinical Commissioning Group.
There will be translation services available at the site, and a dedicated team are on hand to answer any questions the public have.
It comes after Lincolnshire recently hit the milestone of 500,000 first jabs being administered, along with around 380,000 second doses.
Whatsapp
