November 7, 2018 7.51 pm This story is over 79 months old

Viking Link inquiry left admiring Wolds view

Now objectors await the decision
Representatives from the National Grid Viking Link group.

Organisers and objectors will be left admiring the view of the Lincolnshire Wolds for the next few weeks now that an inquiry into the Viking Link has concluded.

Those for and against the development finished giving evidence on Wednesday, leaving only site visits to take place Thursday before planning inspector John Felgate retires to make his decision on whether part of the cable’s 437-mile route can go through the Wolds.

In a closing statement, David Douglas of Langton Estates said objectors support the need for the project but repeated calls for other route options to be considered and said he felt the cable “will undoubtedly adversely affect the Lincolnshire Wolds.”

He said he believed there would be a long-term negative effect on the economy.

Planning Inspector John Felgate will retire to make his decision following site visits on Thursday.

Parish Councillor Richard Moody reiterated his call for residents to be considered and said two-and-a-half years of construction was a long time for them to “put up with the disturbance”.

QC Michael Humphries, in support of National Grid Viking Link, handed out a 46 page closing statement, which concluded earlier points that refusing planning permission would “compromise” the UK’s ability to meet its energy needs.

It said refusal would “waste the very extensive efforts that have already been made,” adding that “the reasons for refusal are not well-founded, and none of the issues raised by any third parties could give rise to any alternative basis for refusal.”

It called permission for this part of the cable the “final piece in the puzzle”.

The proposed underground cabling route for the Viking Link project

Planning inspector John Felgate would not be drawn on a date for his decision but said he didn’t have anything else “intervening” and would be “delighting” himself to it over the next few weeks.

The inquiry was opened on Tuesday after East Lindsey District Council initially refused permission for the plans, fearing the impact upon farming and the landscaping.

However, it has since had a change of heart.