A Step-by-Step Guide to Registering and Writing a Relevant Representation
The Sea Link project, proposed by National Grid Electricity Transmission, involves the construction of major energy infrastructure in the Saxmundham area. It includes a high-voltage electricity connection between Suffolk and Kent, requiring a large converter station, cables, and access roads to transfer power from offshore wind farms into the national grid.
As a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP), it is subject to a specific planning application process. Currently, the Sea Link proposal is undergoing scrutiny by the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) under the Planning Act 2008.
Sea Link is one of two converter station projects currently proposed for this area. Sea Link is now in the Examination stage, while Lion Link is expected to enter the statutory consultation stage in Autumn 2025.
Although the converter station site is located in the parish of Sternfield, key infrastructure including the access road, bridge, and site compounds falls within Saxmundham parish.
This is a critical opportunity for Saxmundham residents to influence the outcome of this major development proposal. You can only do this by submitting a Relevant Representation to the Planning Inspectorate, which will ensure your concerns, observations, and suggestions are formally considered during the examination process.
Step 1: Register as an Interested Party
To participate in the process, you must register as an Interested Party with the Planning Inspectorate during the official registration window. This is open now and will close at midnight on 23 June 2025.
Registering allows you to submit a Relevant Representation which is a summary of the concerns you wish to raise. It also gives you the right to take part in the examination process, including hearings and written submissions, should you choose to.
Register online here:
You will need:
- Your name and contact information.
- The name of the project: Sea Link.
- A summary of your concerns or comments (this is your Relevant Representation).
Your name will be published on the planning inspectorate website, but your contact details will remain confidential.
Step 2: Writing a Compelling Relevant Representation
A Relevant Representation is your opportunity to outline how the Sea Link project affects you, your community, or the environment. Your submission should be respectful, well-reasoned, and focused on material planning issues.
The Planning Inspectorate is unlikely to give weight to multiple repetitive representations raising the same point. Instead, focus on writing one strong, evidence-based representation per person or group, clearly setting out your position and the reasons behind it.
DO:
- Focus on planning-related concerns, including:
- Environmental impacts (e.g. noise, air quality, biodiversity)
- Effects on local transport, congestion, and public services
- Landscape and visual impact
- Heritage assets, health, or public safety
- Compliance with local and national planning policy
- Be specific and, where possible, evidence-based
- Use clear and concise language
- Include relevant local knowledge or personal/professional experience
AVOID
- Complaints based solely on dislike of change
- Comments about loss of property value (not a planning issue)
- Vague or emotional statements without context or evidence
Example Statement:
“I live in Manor Gardens, Saxmundham, around 300m from the proposed construction compound. The 7-day working schedule will create prolonged noise and dust pollution, impacting my family’s health and wellbeing. The cumulative traffic effects of Sea Link, Sizewell C, and the Friston substation will increase congestion and jeopardise road safety on the B1121.
The converter station, standing at 26 metres high, will permanently alter the character of the surrounding rural landscape, dominate the eastern and southern approaches to the town, and severely undermine the historic setting of heritage assets including St John the Baptist Church and Hurts Hall. This visual industrialisation is contrary to the objectives set out in Saxmundham’s Neighbourhood Plan and East Suffolk Council’s policies on landscape protection.
In the long term, operational impacts will significantly degrade local quality of life. Ongoing noise emissions from the facility—despite mitigation claims—pose a sustained nuisance to nearby residents. Introducing large-scale hard infrastructure into farmland increases the travel of sound waves, and the site’s elevated location amplifies the reach of operational noise. East Suffolk Council has also raised concerns about the adequacy of proposed noise assessments.
For these reasons, I urge the Examining Authority to reject the proposal to site the converter station in its current location and require National Grid to explore alternative locations that are better aligned with planning policy, less intrusive to existing communities, and more sustainable in the long term.”
What Issues Might You Want to Raise?
Based on Saxmundham Town Council’s comprehensive review of the project, here are some specific areas of concern you may want to address in your representation:
Construction Impacts:
- Construction noise, dust, and light pollution affecting residential areas and local heritage sites such as St John the Baptist Church and Hurts Hall.
- Working hours proposed: 00 to 19.00 Monday to Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Bank Holidays 07.00 to 17.00
- Mental health and quality of life concerns for those living near the proposed converter station and compounds.
Traffic and Infrastructure:
- Saxmundham’s roads (B1121, B1119, A12) are not suited to HGV traffic. Traffic congestion, safety risks, and delays to emergency services are all significant issues.
- Questions over the accuracy and timing of National Grid’s traffic data.
- Existing pressure points such as Church Street and the town centre crossroads are already prone to congestion.
Public Rights of Way:
- Loss or diversion of historic footpaths.
- Reduced access to green space and the countryside, impacting physical and mental health.
- Diversion routes alongside busy roads could expose pedestrians to traffic danger and fumes.
Environmental and Water Concerns:
- Risk of water shortages during construction and operation in a region already experiencing low rainfall.
- Lack of clarity around surface water runoff, flood risk, and pollution safeguards.
Proximity to residential area:
- One of the four proposed compounds, names S02 is very close to residential properties, impacting residents’ wellbeing due to light pollution, noise, dust (during construction phase), and visual impact.
- Operational noise is a concern, East Suffolk Council are particularly concerned about night-time noise and its impact on nearby residents’ welfare.
Visual and Landscape Impact:
- The 26m converter stations would dominate Saxmundham’s eastern landscape and detract from its rural character, damaging its reputation and viability as a visitor destination.
- Loss of views and countryside associated with local identity and the Neighbourhood Plan.
- Concerns about cumulative visual industrialisation alongside other NSIPs such as Friston and Sizewell C.
Socio-Economic Effects:
- No guaranteed local jobs or business support during or after construction.
- Increase in rents and loss of holiday accommodation to temporary workers.
- Visitor deterrence due to disruption, reducing footfall for local shops and high street businesses.
Need Help?
If you need assistance with registering or drafting your representation, you can:
- Visit the Saxmundham Town Council Energy Projects page or contact the Town Clerk – townclerk@saxmundham-tc.gov.uk
- Make an appointment to receive support from a member of the Town Council team to complete your registration and Relevant Representation.
- Visit one of our community outreach pop-ups – follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.
- Email the Planning Inspectorate’s helpline: NIEnquiries@planninginspectorate.gov.uk
- Use the Planning Aid England service for free, independent advice
Act Now
The deadline to register and submit your Relevant Representation is 23 June 2025.
Check the official Sealink NSIP project page on the Planning Inspectorate’s website for updates or more details. The earlier you begin preparing your representation, the more considered and impactful it can be.
This is your opportunity to shape the future of our town. Make your voice count in the Sealink planning process — register, speak up, and help ensure Saxmundham’s needs and concerns are properly considered.
