Port Sutton Bridge plans labelled ‘ludicrous’ by concerned resident
A concerned resident has described plans at Port Sutton Bridge as ‘ludicrous’ and said it is a ‘fallacy’ that it has brought jobs to the area.
The 61-year-old resident who wishes to remain anonymous is also worried that plans to fence off the area will affect wildlife and the ‘ecosystem’ at Petts Lane which is the access road to the port.
She said: “The fencing and gates are likely to restrict the movement and access of wildlife and people.
“If I had a say or a vote I would say no to the planning application for fences and gates for these reasons.
“The people of Sutton Bridge would not just wander onto the dockside with the heavy machinery when a ship comes in to collect the scrap metal, or at any other time. To suggest otherwise is ludicrous.
“To say that they have brought jobs to the area is a fallacy.”
The port owners’ proposal to protect the port from flooding and ensure it is compliant with anti-terrorism laws has been submitted.
They have applied to South Holland District Council for fencing, gates, earth bund and associated landscaping.
A key point with the proposal is that it is essential that the quay is secured due to anti-terrorism laws.
The resident, who was evacuated during the scrap metal fire at the port in early May, said: “They have little regard for the wildlife and to fence it all off with gates – we don’t know how high they are going to be.
“I have seen terrified red deer trapped on the port, not by these owners, but the fences will lock them in or lock them out.
“Wildlife needs to be protected and we can’t risk losing everything – it is a little ecosystem.
“Elderly people, horse riders, people with binoculars all go up there and there are preservation orders on trees.
“It is great to see a working port but I feel such a little person and wish they would listen to our point of view.
“The area they own may be small but has such diverse wildlife and it needs to be taken into account with this planning permission.
“It is a nice walk up there and it will disappear so I try to be a voice.
“I wish they would listen to some of our concerns and not upset the residents of Sutton Bridge.”
Cllr Michael Booth had previously said: “I am concerned about Petts Lane and vehicles getting round. I don’t want to see lots of vehicles going down there.”