PUBLIC exhibitions detailing plans for an electricity route to connect an offshore wind farm to the national grid have taken place.
People living in Anderby, Stickney and Skegness, got the chance to view plans for the cabling route and three shortlisted locations for the intermediate electrical compound to connect the Triton Knoll wind farm to the national grid.
The exhibitions in East Lindsey by the developers RWE npower renewables, followed public exhibitions in Bicker Fen and Swineshead which were attended by 193 people, over shortlisted locations for the substation – which could be the size of 30 football pitches.
Anderby Creek is proposed as the landfall point where the offshore cables will connect onshore.
The three locations shortlisted for the intermediate electrical compound were also being consulted as RWE said it is down to the public to help decide the chosen location.
Jacob Hain, project manager for Triton Knoll offshore windfarm, said: "We like to take this opportunity to discuss with members of the public about the plans and answer their questions.
"With the locations shortlisted for the intermediate compound, the compound could appear anywhere in that area, we don't need the whole site.
"All of the zones are feasible and all will be able to accommodate the infrastructure. The public comments will help with the decision on which location will be chosen.
"All of them have some characteristics which would be better than the other sites for certain considerations.
"We are expecting a lot of responses from this consultation and we will take all the feedback into account as well as consulting with statutory bodies."
A decision on the chosen location for the intermediate compound is expected to be announced this summer.
Mr Hain added all areas for the scheme were considered, including the Humber and the Wash but this would have affected the shipping and the fishing community.
Barry and Joy Wesley attended the public exhibition in Anderby.
They have objected to the scheme from the beginning.
Mrs Wesley said: "Why bring it into Anderby Creek, it is such a lovely place and should be left alone. The country park is developing and this is going to be spoilt.
"We are also worried about the building work, traffic and disruption to this peaceful area.
"We feel sorry for those who will be near the substation and compound – it looks too industrial."
Mr Wesley said: "It is what happens years down the line that we are worried about – is it going to get even bigger?
"I'm not convinced by wind power and I think there are better ways of getting energy."
The public consultation closes on April 5.
Questionnaires can be downloaded from www.npower-renewables.com/tritonknoll or email tritonknoll@npower-renewables.com
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