68. When considering the area of search for the converter station, land adjacent to the existing substation at Bramford, within the existing Onshore Area of Search (see Section 4.4.4 above for explanation of Onshore Area of Search), was reviewed. It was also decided to explore potential brownfield sites around the substation on the basis that locating the converter station in industrial areas could provide a reduced environmental, particularly visual, impact. A search area for potential converter station locations radiating 5km from the Bramford substation was advised by National Grid and agreed with the local authorities. This was due to the fact that a transmission cable any longer than 5km leading from the converter station to the substation would require significant additional infrastructure at Bramford.
69.
Three potential brownfield sites were identified on the outskirts of Ipswich within the 5km search area. All sites fulfilled three basic criteria i.e. that the land was available, of sufficient size to accommodate converter stations for at least three projects from the East Anglia Zone (which were to eventually be East Anglia ONE, THREE and FOUR), and there was a possible route for the outgoing connection to Bramford. Following an initial desk review, two sites were discounted due to conflicts with long term planning allocations. A disused British Sugar factory near Sproughton was considered to be a possible site and was therefore subject to further more detailed review.
70.
The review showed that the British Sugar site was very close to a flood zone and prone to flooding. In addition, its location 3.5km south of Bramford would require additional cabling, and therefore additional disruption. This site was discounted from further consideration.
71. During a meeting with local authorities held on 12 July 2011, a former factory site at Paper Mill Lane near Bramford was highlighted as a potential location. Following further review, the factory building was found to be listed and therefore not appropriate for housing the required infrastructure as bespoke buildings would be required for the converter stations.
72.
It was therefore concluded that there were no brownfield sites suitable for the required converter stations.
4.4.6.1 Converter Station Refined Area of Search 73. A desk based assessment and a site visit, in June 2011, were undertaken covering the land around the existing Bramford substation. Potential site options were sought that would have the minimum environmental impacts and would be feasible in terms of engineering considerations. The criteria used to refine the area of search included:
Preliminary Environmental Information May 2014
East Anglia THREE Offshore Windfarm
Chapter 4 Site Selection and Alternatives Page 16
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