November 7, 2018 3.48 pm This story is over 64 months old

“No grounds” for Viking Link refusal

The inquiry heard land drainage plans
David Royle giving evidence to planning inspector John Felgate.

A soil and land drainage witness has told a planning inquiry into the Viking Link that East Lindsey and objectors had ‘not provided sufficient grounds for refusal’.

David Royle, of Land Drainage Consultancy, was giving evidence in the morning of the final day of the inquiry’s evidence stage into the new underground electricity cable planned by National Grid.

A series of witnesses have today been presenting evidence and reports in support of the route, including planned “trenchless” works which hope to avoid a number of obstacles.

The proposed underground cabling route for the Viking Link project

Mr Royle presented evidence created through 247 conceptual land drainage plans which showed how water would be diverted away from the construction sites planned along the route.

However, he warned: “You can bet your bottom dollar, farmers on this route will be looking over the fence at every opportunity looking to keep their eye on work and making sure work is done properly.”

Graham Symons.

His evidence followed that of senior development engineer Graham Symons who confirmed the chosen route was “the most suitable from an engineering point of view.”

He praises the flatness of the landscape and said an alternative route proposed by objectors he said included a “fold in the land” which would require more work.

The inquiry into a section which is planned to go through the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Natural Beauty was opened on Tuesday by planning inspector John Felgate.

East Lindsey District Council initially refused permission, fearing the impact upon farming and the landscaping however has since had a change of heart.