Grove Wood in Friston has been named the most appropriate location for the development of the onshore substations required for ScottishPower Renewables East Anglia TWO and East Anglia ONE North offshore windfarms.

The decision comes following an additional consultation period for the projects (Phase 3.5), which, in parallel to the proposals for the Grove Wood, site explored the opportunity to consider an alternative site at Broom Covert, Sizewell.

Consultation Phase 3.5, which ran from 29 September to 12 November, saw ScottishPower Renewables host public meetings and share consultation documents with local residents and stakeholders. This phase of consultation also communicated additional information regarding connection to the electrical network, drainage, traffic and transport.

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In response to this phase of consultation approximately 600 responses were received, in relation to both sites, from members of the public, local interest groups and statutory stakeholders. All of the feedback has been carefully reviewed and considered.

This phase of consultation highlighted concerns regarding potential impact on the Suffolk Coast and Heaths Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and thus compliance with National Planning Statements.

David Walker, Development Director at ScottishPower Renewables, said: "We would like to thank everyone who responded to this latest phase of consultation. The feedback received has played an important part in helping us make this decision.

"After carefully reviewing all of the feedback, it was decided that the Grove Wood, Friston, site will remain as the preferred location for the substations.

"We are now looking at the key matters raised in relation to the Grove Wood site and we are considering how these influence our plans going forward. In early 2019 we will be launching Phase 4 of our consultation and we encourage as many people as possible to continue engaging with us on the next stage of our plans."