Mike Hall MP

Labour Party | Weaver Vale

Letters on behalf of constituents regarding the proposed sub station at Weaverham

The Chief Executive

Network Rail

and

Mr Roger Urwin – Chief Executive

The National Grid

03 October 2003

Dear Sir,

Proposed National Grid Substation and Trackside Feeder Station at Station Road, Weaverham and Acton Bridge – Cheshire

I attended the Consultation Meeting on the above proposals on the 19th September 2003.

I have now been contacted by a number of local residents who are very concerned about the proposals to construct a huge substation on the Station Road Field in Acton Bridge.

They raised with me the following 7 major concerns:

1. The location of the substation theoretically should be in the Crewe area, why then has the Station Road Field become the National Grids preferred site;
2. What other sites have been considered and why were they rejected;
3. Station Road Field is clearly in the designated green belt and is the construction of a large substation a permitted green belt development and in accordance with the Vale Royal Borough Council Local Plan.
4. The proposed substation will clearly have an adverse effect on the visual amenity of the area. Will that be acceptable and what proposals are there to mitigate that detrimental impact;
5. Noise and vibration are common problems associated with substations. What are the predicted noise and vibration levels of this substation and what impact will they have on local residents.
6. Electro magnetic radiation causes genuine concern amongst local residents. What are the predicted levels associated with this huge substation and what impact will they have on public health.
7. Why have Network Rail commenced proceeding to compulsory purchase the land in question before planning permission has even been applied for.

Can I urge you to hold further Consultation Meetings in Weaverham and Acton Bridge so that local residents can be more fully informed of the proposals and let you know their views.

Can I also ask that you let me have detailed replies to the 7 questions raised above.

I look forward to your detailed reply at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely,

Mike Hall MP

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Chris Austin – Executive Director

Strategic Rail Authority

17 November 2003

Dear Mr Austin,

West Coast Main Line – Upgrade

The National Grid and Network Rail have recently revealed their proposals to build a so-called Substation and Trackside Feeder Station at Station Road, Acton Bridge and Weaverham to provide an upgraded electricity supply to the West Coast Main Line. As part of the Consultation process the National Grid and Network Rail have made the point that the SRA is insisting on a 400kV electricity supply for the West Coast Main Line.

Can you please let me know if this is correct and if so why does the West Coast Main Line need a 400kV supply. Can you also let me know if a 275kV supply would be sufficient for the upgrade of the West Coast Main Line and if not, why?

Can you also let me know what the timescale is for the completion of the West Coast Main Line upgrade and specifically when the Crewe to Glasgow section is due to be completed.

Can you also let me know who the appropriate body is for local residents to direct technical questions in relation to the specifications for the West Coast Main Line upgrade?

I look forward to you prompt reply dealing with all the points raised above.

Yours sincerely,

Mike Hall MP

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Mr Roger Urwin – Chief Executive

The National Grid

17 November 2003

Dear Mr Urwin,

Proposed so-called Sub-Station and Trackside Feeder Station, Station Road, Acton Bridge/Weaverham

I wrote to you asking 7 questions about the above on the 3rd October 2003 for ease of reference see copy attached. Can you please ensure that I get a detailed reply to all the points of my 3rd October 2003 at the earliest opportunity.

On a related note, can you please let me know the location of every other sub-station and trackside feeder station proposed for the West Coast Main Line upgrade. Can you please let me know how many of these were subjected to local objections. Can you also let me know how many Substations and Trackside Feeder Stations are as close to houses as the one proposed for Acton Bridge/Weaverham.

Can you also let me know if the National Grid and Network Rail have conducted an Impact Assessment of the proposed Substation and Trackside Feeder Station at Acton Bridge/Weaverham.

I look forward to your prompt and detailed reply.

Yours sincerely,

Mike Hall MP