Havant Borough Councillors back motion to join the objectors of the Aquind Interconnector project

This week, councillors from Havant Borough Council voted to join forces with the other objectors to the proposals by Aquind to build the High Voltage Direct Current electricity interconnector.

The motion was brought by Lib Dem Councillor, Antonia Harrison, Assistant Cabinet lead for Thriving Waterlooville, and ward Councillor for Purbook. It invited members to unite with the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Lib Dem-run Portsmouth City Council, local MP’s, and the Let’s Stop Aquind Campaign to prevent the £1.2bn project from going ahead.

The motion has also called for the Leader of the council to write to the Secretary of State to seek an immediate decision for it to be refused.

It is expected that if the project were completed, 17 million MWh of electricity could be transmitted between Britain and France.  Ofgem sees us exporting more electricity than we would import.

The infrastructure for the interconnector is going to have a harmful impact on the local environment. This has been highlighted as a major concern. It is also expected to cause much chaos, gridlock and congestion to the north of our borough.

Emergency services, a hospice, businesses, schools, and residents would be most affected by the detrimental consequences of the works proposed to take place whilst the cables are being laid. 

Cllr Antonia Harrison said “I am not looking for any commitment of funds from this council, but to simply add to public awareness by stating the council's opposition to the project and seeking publicity to further that awareness and pressure the Secretary of State to make a decision. 

“We are fully aware, as a council, that under the previous administration, a donation of £30k was accepted to provide a play park in Waterlooville.  Whilst we thank them for their contribution to much-needed resources in the area this is by no means an indication that we support their proposal.

“The disruption that will be caused to Waterlooville and Purbrook, as well as the destruction to the environment and countryside during the installation of the infrastructure will have a detrimental impact for many years.”