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Reasons To Stop Aquind

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As local landlords and possibly residents too, you may have seen all the commotion about plans for the Aquind interconnector and wondered what all the fuss is about, We know someone who can answer that question...

What Is Aquind?

Developed countries have national power grids that bring electricity from power stations, wind farms and other suppliers to the places where it is needed. At any point in time, one country may have more power than it needs or a neighbouring country may be producing  more cheaply - for example when it is very windy in the north sea but dark in Morrocco, we might want to share our power generation with them but conversely, their solar farms could help us on sunny summer days...

This sharing is achieved by running cables between country networks and these cables are called 'interconnectors' - anyone can apply to put a cable in place, but they will need to get a licence and also, to comply with local planning requirements in each country. Typically, as these links are beneficial, they are encouraged by governments and rules are relaxed compared to smaller projects - for example being classed as a 'national infrastructure project' (NISP) as some are means they can bypass local planning as decisions are taken at a national level. Oddly, it would also appear that Aquind is the 1st and only interconnector to have been classed as a NISP which further raises concerns about the legitimacy of the process.

Aquind is a proposal for an interconnector between Normandy in France and a connection point at Lovedean north of Portsmouth being proposed by a company called Aquind which was refused by the then  Secretary of State; however that decision was quashed at a Judicial Review last November.  Grant Shapps, the current Secretary of State, now needs to weigh up the evidence, including objections sent, and make a decision afresh.

What Is The Problem?

Local campaign group 'Lets stop AQUIND'  had, along with everyone else, until April 28th to send their objections to the Secretary of State for his consideration when making his decision.  The major issue is the chosen route - through and up the eastern side of Portsmouth, causing havoc in the city for up to 7 years and digging through multiple sites of postwar landfill unearthing contaminated sites almost the whole way.


See their excellent summary of the issues here.  Plus the press release.

And a secondary document outlining concerns about the ownership of Aquind and its behaviour, here.

And if you prefer - a simple video:

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About the author

Martin Silman

Martin began his landlord journey 18 years ago, while working in an international role for a global telecommunications company. Since retiring he has extended his portfolio, which he manages with his wife, but has always focussed on the ‘small student HMO’ sector preferring to offer homes in the community for small groups to the more common ‘pack them in and take the money’ mentality. He has chaired the PDPLA for the past 9 years and has overseen the Associations transition from small local self-help group to a much larger and more professional institution which is recognised and listened to nationally. Alongside his PDPLA role, he also has leadership roles in a number of other local organisations – bringing his unique perspective, driving for change and increased use of technology while respecting the history that brought us here.

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