Report: Adrienne Lowndes
Network Rail's made a planning application to the Borough Council to install an electric substation on Green Belt land in Sandy Lane, Aughton : 2019/0060/FUL.
Why are we concerned?
1] Firstly, SIZE - the word 'substation' conjures up a picture of a relatively, small, discreet, brick cube.
NOT SO!
This proposed monstrosity / blot on the landscape will tower 3-4 m high right to the edge of this arable field, which is already nearly 1m above the narrow country road it borders. Also, each installation will extend from 2-12metres [over 36']
2] Secondly, Network Rail only notified one neighbour of the planning proposal, BUT NOT the neighbour living in Sandy Lane who would be most affected visually by the proposed installation.
3] the noise level - almost next-door to one occupied dwelling & several further dwellings, is estimated by Network Rail to be 55dba - what does that mean? what does it equate to in layman's terms? How will it affect us close neighbours?
4] encroachment of the Green Belt - why here? why not on brownfield site? - the reasons given have no specifics.
5] Owing to the volume of objections - once we knew - Network Rail have now (after the planning process has been suspended, not when it was in progress) invited neighbours to an open evening on Wednesday 13th March 16:00-19:00 at Aughton Institute, Bold Lane, Aughton.