Peel Common residents raise concerns on IFA2 design and size at consultation

People living in the Peel Common ward in Gosport went to the National Grid event to see updated information on the proposed interconnector known as IFA2.

The National Grid project, earmarked for 10 acres of land at Daedalus in Lee-on-the-Solent, would be the second electricity link between England and France, converting power for more than one million homes, while the deal could pump millions of pounds into the local economy.

The 20-metre high station would allow the two countries to exchange power and meet rising energy demands.

Although many of the visitors at yesterday’s consultation still had issues about the design, they said concerns about noise had been addressed.

Peel Common resident Jackie Greenwood is against the plans. She said: ‘I am not a technical person but we have had the interconnector chucked on us from Chilling.

‘Fareham Borough Council have picked somewhere to has it where it isn’t going to bother Fareham residents.

‘There are two schools close by, too, so I am not happy about it being so close to them.’

Ms Greenwood did say the updated information at the consultation was good and her concerns on noise had been explained to her.

Lee-on-the-Solent resident Ray Harding is also against IFA2. For him, the size and design are a problem.

‘They say they want to cover it with trees but it won’t be hidden from view for another 15 years,’ he said.

‘Because of its size, they should be planting fully-grown trees straight away, not planting and waiting for them to grow. I understand the need for it but I don’t think Daedalus is the site.’

For other people attending the consultation, held yesterday at Peel Common Evangelical Church off Newgate Lane, they were happy with the plans.

Stubbington resident Valerie Wilson said: ‘There is a lot more information here and I am happy with what I see so far. National Grid have explained different aspects a lot more. So I am happy although, it isn’t going to be right on my doorstep.’

Morris Bray, from the IFA2 project team, said they hoped residents saw they were trying to address their concerns.

A third consultation was due to be held today at Cemast, in Daedalus between 1pm-4pm.