The next big development proposal to hit the local area is going to be infrastructure – Aquind, the proposed new power cable to connect the French and UK national grids.

The basic concept is that by connecting the French and UK grids both countries can balance supply and demand reducing the risk of loss of power. It also makes more efficient use of power stations and is claimed may reduce (or minimise increases) to energy bills. with the closure of UK gas and coal fired power stations, and the slow progress of Hinckley (our nuclear power station) ensuring the continuity of power is an important issue.

So, Why Lovedean? Making sure we ahve continuity of power is essential but do we have to have it here?

When the scheme was first proposed my first thought was why the connection couldn’t be made to the old Fawley Power Station? After all this was a 2000MW power station which was already connected to the grid and on the coast would be an ideal point to connect into – obvious really? At consultation stage this will be one of the questions to ask but economics suggest there will be a good reason as the cost to lay some 20 miles of cabling underground is significant. Ultimately the connection needs to be made to a point in the UK grid that can handle the incoming supply and distribute it to where it is needed but this still needs better explanation.

Route from Barnabos, France to Lovedean – Image from Aquind website.

In Lovedean the power cables will terminate in a large network of buildings on 6 to 9 hectares of land (15 to 22.5 acres). Their website advises there will be numerous buildings up to 22m in height.

This would have significant impact on the landscape, not just from Lovedean but also from the SDNP and views from far away like Portsdown hill. Electrical hum, noise, bunding, screening are all key issues to understand to mitigate if allowed.

The next complication is that the existing substation is set by the boundary to three planning authorities. Winchester, SDNPA and EHDC. No firm location has been set for this development and whichever planning authority receives the application will get a view from the adjacent ones.

Winchester would be a concern as there is a strong feeling they do not care what anything looks like away from their city centre (The development on Denmead Road a case in point). It is unlikely to be located in the National Park due to environmental considerations.

Aquind are developing their proposals and planning to hold public consultations. it is important that you attend these and give your view. As always they will be re-posted here. The consultations are due to be held in 2018 with the facility built and in operation by 2022 if it is approved.

To visit the Aquind website (Click Here)

and click here to download the Aquind Information Booklet

All the details above have been taken from the Aquind website, consultation documents and in the public domain.

Upcoming consultation event (dates taken from Aquind website so please check closer to the time in case they are changed)

24 January 2018 – Public Exhibition Waterlooville Community Centre 2-8pm

26 January 2018 – Public Exhibition Milton Village Community Hall 2-8pm

27 January 2018 – Public Exhibition Lovedean Village Hall 2-8pm

The Horndean Parish Council Carol Service is on Tuesday 12th December from 7:00pm in the square. You can also meet Santa at OhSo’s!

Hampshire County Council Highways department are responsible for managing roadworks and maintenance of most of the highway excluding motorways and contribute to information on a central database for the UK.

You can access this on http://roadworks.org/ and a typical screenshot is below for the local area. Clicking on the symbols lets you see dates and more detail on the works.

Home-Start Butser has been recruiting and training volunteers in East Hampshire to befriend and support families with children under five for the past 19 years. They have a team of 60 volunteers supporting on average 80 families a year.

Nicola Winter, Scheme Manager says:

“The old adage, ‘It takes a village to raise a child’, is proven time and again through the work of our volunteers. They provide parents the support they need to give their children vital love and care. Our volunteers are parents; they understand how hard it can be. They work with families in their own homes, help them cope with the stresses and strains of life and make sure they have the skills, confidence and strength to nurture their children.

After their training the volunteers are equipped to be a constant and guiding presence in lives of families with young children who are going through a critical time. The support they provide is as unique as each family they help. During visits of at least two hours a week they provide both practical and emotional support to parents and children, helping them face illness and crises; avoid isolation and fear; and giving them hope.

They commit to being there for the long term, and they are successful at developing a trusting and confidential relationship – from which great changes can be made. Often described as ‘gold dust’ by the families, the volunteers live locally and have parenting experience. This gives them the experience and understanding to talk to another parent who is struggling.

The people whose lives they have changed express it better than anyone.

“With Home-Start’s help I got through a terrible time, and now my house is full of hope and laughter.

“Knowing that someone cares is wonderful. The feeling of loneliness and despair disappears entirely.

“They really listened and understood the stresses we’ve been feeling and showed enormous empathy. Home-Start Butser really has improved our family’s lives.

Our next Preparation Course for new volunteers will start on 30 January, – 11 x 3 hour sessions. Anyone with parenting experience is welcome.

For further information please contact Nicola Winter on 01730 233 755 office@homestart-butser.org.uk. www.homestart-butser.org.uk

Todays remembrance service was attended by well over 2,000 uniformed representatives and local residents making this the best attended ceremony ever. The ceremony in photos below and please email yours to guy.shepherd@easthants.gov.uk to see them here.

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