New Sutton Bridge power plant likely to be unopposed by South Holland councillors

A proposed new gas-fired power station at Sutton Bridge is set to pass through South Holland District Council unopposed.

Planning councillors are being advised to raise no objection to the plan for a second combined cycle gas turbine when the scheme is discussed on Wednesday, June 4.

The plant would create up to 1800MW of electrical generation capacity to be fed into the National Grid.
Known as Sutton Bridge B, the power station would be built on land next to the current one but there would be no shared facilities.
There would be three turbine halls 40m high and three stacks 80m high.
Construction would take up to three years and provide income for local businesses.

A report to planning councillors by district council development manager Richard Fidler says: “The proposed SBB site is an unallocated greenfield site but is adjacent to the existing Sutton Bridge A power station and to land currently in employment use and allocated for employment use.

“The proposal would contribute to securing sufficient generation of electricity in the future, including the provision of flexible capacity to accommodate variations in demand.

“It would support the drive towards electricity generation by renewable (which is often intermittent) by ensuring that forecast demand is still met.

“A modern, efficient power station would help meet carbon reduction objectives and the design has taken CCR into account. Construction, operation and decommissioning activities has the potential to bring positive benefits to the local economy through offering employment opportunities and supporting ancillary services.”

South Holland and the Deepings MP John Hayes is against the plan on several grounds, including it having a “profound aesthetic impact on a very small rural town defined by its unspoilt view of Fenland flatness”.

Applicant EDF Energy West Burton Power Ltd has asked that planning council members are reminded of the benefits that Sutton Bridge B would bring in terms of “local job creation and spend, and potential for business rate retention”.

South Holland District Council is only a consultee for the plan, which will be determined by The Secretary of State for Energy and Climate.