In an age of growing cynicism about the ability of ordinary people to shape the decisions that affect their lives, events in Sutton Bridge are an encouraging reminder of the enduring strength of local democracy. The success of our campaign to stop a huge, polluting asphalt plant being forced upon local people there is proof to all that when communities and their Member of Parliament come together to defend what matters, their combined voice can and will be heard.
This is not the first time that Sutton Bridge has resisted unwanted developments. In 2015, a plan for an incinerator in Sutton Bridge was defeated after a similar local campaign, in which I was proud to play my part.
The ill-conceived asphalt plant, which threatened people’s peace in their own homes and gardens, faced an outpouring of opposition from the community, and I thank the 427 residents who took the time to submit formal objections — a remarkable demonstration of civic engagement.
From the outset, I pledged to champion this cause, having led a public meeting last June attended by over 100 concerned residents, which marked the beginning of a sustained, determined campaign. From the risk to public health caused by increased air pollution to pervasive stench to the noise of industry - it was patently clear that this proposal would have spoiled lives and livelihoods. In the council’s refusal letter published last week, both odour and sound are referenced as key flaws in the proposal.
This result is proof that local democracy works when communities unite. It gives hope to all intent on defending precious places against the relentless encroachment of wolfish developers.
No development, be it solar panels, wind turbines, or pylon infrastructure, should be built in the wrong places. Having personally surveyed thousands of residents on these issues, it is clear that I am far from alone in opposing them, with over 80% of those surveyed being against using farmland for such purposes; which is why I have made my strong objections to the National Grid’s plans to build 50-metre-high pylons that would run through South Holland. Similarly, I have registered a formal objection to the Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind Farm’s plans to locate two substations at Surfleet Marsh and Weston Marsh.
These kinds of developments should be in parts of the country where the land is not vital for national food security, yet the Government is pursuing net zero goals even if it means compromising the capacity to feed the nation. These vast industrial intrusions besmirch our lands and spoil our landscape, threatening farm businesses and local well-being.
Nevertheless, this government seems intent on stripping away the rights of local people to have their say. Communities, unyielding in the face of these pressures, must stand firm in demanding the right to influence what happens in and to neighbourhoods. Taking heart from victories such as the one in Sutton Bridge, we should never neglect the power of unified action or underestimate the might of local campaigning. The success there belongs to every person who spoke out, wrote an objection, or attended a meeting.
In facing down all kinds of threats, from huge pylons to massive solar plants, which endanger the quality of life, we must be prepared to fight again and again, lest we allow irreparable damage to be done to the place we all call home.