Conservative and Green politicians have both added their voices to calls for a unified offshore grid to be created to save the Suffolk countryside.

Suffolk County Council deputy leader Richard Rout - who will be contesting the new Waveney Valley constituency at the next general election - said it was not acceptable to create three separate junctions to bring in electricity on the Suffolk coast.

Last week the promoters of Sea Link announced a public consultation over its plans to bring in power near Aldeburgh.

LionLink plans to develop a similar scheme near Southwold. And a third scheme, Nautilus, is also proposed.

Mr Rout said: “The impact of LionLink on our local communities, businesses and natural environment would be substantial.

“The option to bring the project onshore at Southwold or Walberswick is unacceptable. It’s close to people’s homes, access to the road network is challenging and is located in the AONB on the borders of Minsmere.

“Neither can we support the proposed cable route which is a considerable distance from the substation at Friston which it would need to connect to.”

Suffolk County Council has been calling for better co-ordination of energy projects, such as LionLink, for years.

Last week the council announced it is preparing its response to Sea Link, another significant off-shore electricity connection which could affect Saxmundham and Aldeburgh.

Mr Rout added: “The LionLink website states that it is ‘a vital step toward an integrated North Sea grid’, however I fail to see how there is any integration with other similar projects – LionLink, Sea Link and Nautilus are all being addressed in isolation, despite all originating from National Grid.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Green Party candidate Adrian RamsayGreen Party candidate Adrian Ramsay (Image: Green Party)

Mr Rout's Green challenger in Waveney Valley, Adrian Ramsay, said:  "Green Party councillors in Suffolk have always fought for a co-ordinated offshore grid in the North Sea, rather than each wind farm bringing energy onshore randomly via pylons or cable links like Lion Link.

"A Green Plan would capitalise on the unique opportunity for renewables in the North Sea, bringing the cost of energy down and helping to create a secure energy market.

 

"The Green Party will continue to campaign for a proper plan, which capitalises on renewables without destroying communities and ensures our energy market is fit for the future."