National Grid to hold consultations on IFA2 interconnector

The second public consultation on plans for a proposed high-voltage electricity link at Daedalus Airfield gets under way today, with more sessions throughout the week.

Updated plans for the project will be unveiled for members of the public to see and comment on. A number of changes include:

n Converter station design and landscaping options, to help the buildings visually blend in with the surrounding landscape.

n Measures to mitigate noise and electric and magnetic fields.

n National Grid’s IFA2 initial assessments of compatibility with Daedalus Airfield.

Project team members will be on hand to answer questions on the plans which were updated after an initial consultation held in December.

Morris Bray from the IFA2 project said: ‘The feedback we received in December was very helpful and we’ve taken it into consideration when updating our plans.

‘We recognise how the proposals look is important for our neighbours and we’ll be seeking views on the appearance of the proposed converter station.’

He added: ‘I’d like to encourage people to come along to the consultations.’

The event today is due to be held at Stubbington Baptist Church, off Cuckoo Lane, between 3.30pm and 7.30pm.

Tomorrow’s consultation is at Peel Common Church Hall, at Newgate Lane also between 3.30pm and 7.30pm.

On Friday, Cemast at Daedalus is hosting the consultations between 1pm and 4pm.

Saturday’s event at St Mary Hook with Warsash, on Church Road, is from 2.30pm and 6.30pm.

The final consultation is on Sunday from 2.30pm until 6.30pm at St Faith’s Parish Centre, in Victoria Square, Lee-on-the-Solent.

An outline planning application is due to be submitted later this year and the project is planned to be complete and fully operational by 2020.