National Infrastructure Plan

~ SPS Admin

The National Infrastructure Plan 2013 has been published, just ahead of the Chancellors Autumn Statement.

We looked at the spreadsheet of projects. Among 647 projects across the country we could find only 3 that affected our area. They were

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  • Navitas (the Dorset offshore wind farm)
  • 201-2 berths at the Container Port, a project nearing completion
  • M 3 junctions 2-4, a road improvement

One is bound to ask whether our infrastructure is so perfect that these three projects represent the limit of our aspirations. Or, on the other hand, do we breathe a sigh of relief that our environment is no under threat from major infrastructure development?

  • If the LEP is to spend billions on local industry development, does this not require an improvement in infrastructure to support it?
  • Have the projects to deepen the approaches to Southampton (for the new generation cruise and container ships); and the deepening of the approach to Portsmouth for the new aircraft carriers both been ignored?
  • Is it totally improbable that Fawley power station, positioned at a strategic location in the national grid will be replaced?
  • Is it  definite that a new Dibden Bay project is beyond the planning horizon of the current plan

There are probably other questions too.

The Council of Solent Protection Society will be considering the questions that need to be addressed concerning these fundamental issues.