Second IFA2 consultation receives mixed reaction from public

Residents were invited to the second IFA2 consultation at Stubbington Baptist Church yesterday to look at the landscaping and design changes that have been made since the last consultation.

National Grid plans to build the plant at the enterprise zone of Daedalus, the majority of which is owned by Fareham Borough Council.

Morris Bray, lead manager from IFA2, said: ‘We came back for a second round consultation because we wanted people’s feedback, mainly on the design and landscape around the building.

‘I hope that people have seen that we have listened to their concerns and made changes accordingly.

‘The fundamentals of the plan are still very good because having an energy link with France will mean we can access more secure, reliable and affordable energy supplies.’

The consultation included stands where the public could see 2D and 3D images of what the building will look like after trees have grown to around the site to fit with the surrounding landscape, as well as cladding samples that may be used.

Other issues such as the measures to mitigate noise and electric and magnetic fields were also addressed.

Residents had mixed reactions to the updated plans.

‘It will be a very bad day for Stubbington if they go ahead with these plans,’ said Marianne Lee, 64, from Seamead, Stubbington.

‘It is scary really. To have such a huge building in an area that is already struggling with traffic seems ridiculous.’

Other residents disagreed with these concerns.

Phil Reeves, 51, from Croftlands Avenue, said: ‘I understand people are saying ‘not on my doorstep’ to these plans, but if not on someone’s doorstep then where?

‘I have been impressed with what I have seen so far. There has been a lot of information and the artist’s impression of what the site will look like is very realistic.’