Darsham  Parish Council. 

After a thorough  review of the proposed Lionink project  there are a few comments  we wish to make.
Clearly this is a very comprehensive  study using robust methodology  and research data .
As the proposed Converter  Site options are at Friston,Saxmundham, Leiston and Theberton,it would appear to be  a  much more  sensible  option for  Lion Link to make landfall at Thorpeness as Sea Link is planning  to do.This would enable the cables to all be laid along a single route and would dramatically  decrease  the costs and overall environmental impact on the Suffolk  countryside. 
Darsham will already be severely adversely affected  by the Sizewell  C Northern Park and Ride with significant increased volume of traffic on the A12 
If the Lion Link project is permitted  to go through  Darsham with landfall for the underground  cables at Southwold, Walberswick or Dunwich this will significantly add to the problem with increased plant equipment  and heavy traffic over many years.This will affect access onto the A12 from Darsham as well as surrounding  villages. 
In addition  with the large housing  development planned on the A12 Darsham/Yoxford  boundary, it seems unreasonable to add to this burden when the Substation  and convertors are much farther south from Darsham. 
Darsham  Marshes  may also be adversely affected  since it is in the proposed  corridor  for underground  cables.Whilst it isn't a RAMSAR  site,it is a County Wildlife  site owned and managed  by Suffolk  Wildlife Trust.The wildlife diverse,it has ponds,a network  of dunes and wetlands supporting dragonflies, birds such as snipe,marsh and hen harriers,mammals such as otters and water voles and is used for summer grazing of cattle.
Importantly it is an accessible site well used by residents  of Darsham  and neighbouring  villagers on foot,as well as tourists  from campsites and other local hospitality venues. 
In summary, it seems to be an unusual  route to bring underground  cables through  small villages when shorter and more direct routes can be taken to the Substations.
Secondly other projects may be running  simultaneously which could be integrated into the scheme thus reducing cost and the severe impact on the environment and population of the area.
We sincerely hope that this proposal  can be reconsidered,to alleviate  the very considerable  disruption  to the Suffolk  countryside  and environment.
Mrs D Taylor  Councillor  Darsham  Parish  Council.