The Study Area and Route Options
This project is very welcome and I acknowledge the valuable information that has been provided during this engagement process. The maps and constraints report have been particularly helpful as has the broad, active and in depth consultation with communities.
Given our current climate and biodiversity crisis, I would like to see as much effort as possible to minimise disruption to land and to follow the road network, while acknowledging the constraints of open drained ditches beside some of the local road networks. The constraints report specifically states, that 'sections of the cable route which deviate from the road betwork are likely to have greater potential for significant impacts on landscape character than sections that follow the road network'. In general, I hope that the focus can be on maximising the road network to minimise natural habitat and environmental impacts, which doing so in a way that can manage unsustainable traffic disruption.
It also notes that where mature trees are felled this cannot be re-planted due to the impact on cables. I would urge that any route selection avoids to the greatest extent possible the felling of mature trees, and where this is required, that equivalent trees are replanted in other locations.
I welcome the note that potential habitat degradation will aim to be mitigated and that 'during operation there is potential for localised gains in biodiversity through the re-instatementof passing bays with species-rich hedgerows and species-rich wildflower meadows'. I would urge that the project specifically aims to focus on habitat recovery and enrichment to the greatest extent possible.
I would like to highlight the potential impact on native woodland highlighted on the interactive map along the Orange Route and request that this be avoided and the woodland maintained.
Thank you for the opportunity to give this feedback.