Aquind interconnector opposition fear Portsmouth allotments could be contaminated by drilling

The government’s Planning Inspectorate held a meeting today to continue scrutiny of Aquind’s plans for a £1.2bn interconnector project to bring electricity from France.

Aquind is proposing a compulsory acquisition of land at the Eastney and Milton Piece Allotments for the cables to run underneath.

But allotment owners fear that the drilling through this land presents a ‘clear’ danger to both locals and the environment.

Drilling fluids, used to assist with drilling into the earth, could contain mildly toxic components that might rise to the surface of the soil.

Allotment holder David Langley said: ‘If an inadvertent release (IR) occurs I doubt plants could be grown for human consumption.

‘I assume we can expect an IR – certainly, Aquind does. But what about our granddaughter’s or our neighbour’s dog, what if they end up ingesting some of this drilling fluid?’

Martin Jervis, representing Aquind, said the developer proposes to use bentonite – a naturally-occurring clay that is classified as ‘not hazardous’ and ‘non-toxic’ under UK regulations.

Chairwoman of the Milton Neighbourhood Forum, Janice Burkinshaw, has tended to her allotment in Milton for 46 years, and suggested that the cable could run along the side of the allotment, rather than through it.

She said: ‘We have a shortage of green space and the installation of this cable will put additional pressure on the city’s infrastructure.

‘I’m fearful of the impacts on health from installing electrical cabling and don’t believe it is free from harm.

‘The route of the cable will most likely pass through my plot.’

Supporting Aquind from an ecologial perspective, Ian Ellis said: ‘We clearly state that all impacts would be removed and are confident in that conclusion.’

Aquind also wishes to acquire landscaping rights for 14,842 square metres of woodland at Stoneacre Copse in Lovedean, although this is firmly opposed by a legal team representing Geoffrey and Peter Carpenter, who own Little Denmead Farm.

Examining inspector Stephen Roscoe, said: ‘There is obviously a situation with this matter.

‘We look at this in terms of the management of potential impediment implications – a post-hearing note will cover potential routes and options for Aquind.'

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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