Controversial substation at Weston Marsh approved by one vote

Plans for an electricity substation in Lincolnshire have been narrowly approved by councillors despite concerns about the impact on the local area.

South Holland District Council's planning committee voted six to five in favour of National Grid's application for a 400kV substation at Weston Marsh, near Spalding, with two abstentions.

The substation is part of the Grimsby to Walpole power line project, which includes 87 miles (140km) of pylons across Lincolnshire to strengthen the UK's electricity network.

Local residents and some councillors objected to the plans, arguing they would destroy high-quality farmland, harm the landscape and increase traffic on narrow rural roads.

Speaking at a meeting on Wednesday, committee chairman James Avery acknowledged the scheme was deemed as "critical national infrastructure", adding many of the concerns were not strong enough to warrant a refusal on planning grounds.

However, he said the scheme was "hugely unpopular" with residents.

Councillor Andrew Woolf said it could turn the countryside into an "industrial eyesore" and create traffic problems during construction.

He added that he understood the "need for renewable energy", but argued the substation was in the wrong location.

Craig Rivett, for National Grid, acknowledged the concerns, but said any impact could be mitigated.

"Biodiversity net gain will be provided and construction and traffic impacts will be appropriately managed through the planning conditions," he said.

Campaign group Lincolnshire Against Needless Destruction (LAND) said it was disappointed by the decision.

Cat Makinson, from the group, said: "The fact that approval was secured by just one vote illustrates how divided the committee was."

As part of the approval, councillors added restrictions on construction hours, including a ban on Sunday and bank holiday working.

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