Exxonmobil’s Solent CO2 Pipeline cannot be installed without “potentially devastating impacts” on the Isle of Wight National Landscape (formerly known as AONB), a conservation body has warned.
The Isle of Wight National Landscape (IWNL) partnership, which works to promote the conservation and enhancement of the Island’s legally protected areas of natural beauty, has said the pipeline’s visual effects will be “significant, permanent, harmful” in a letter to the American multinational corporation.
Public consultation
ExxonMobil is currently undertaking a public consultation on its proposed pipeline corridor routes, two of which run through the IWNL.
Though the partnership acknowledged ExxonMobil had mentioned avoiding Ancient Woodland habitats in its application documents, its letter emphasises the presence of other nature designations including coastal areas, protected species, special protection areas for birds and special areas of conservation for other wildlife.
Must show how characteristics will be “maintained and enhanced”
Also mentioned are the “special characteristics” of the IWNL which are said to “contribute greatly” to the “quality of life” and “well-being” of “local communities” and “visitors”.
The letter stated,
“From majestic sea cliffs and sweeping beaches to the quiet solitude of ancient woodland; the ever changing patchwork of worked fields to the timeless and enduring presence of the downs; the intricate inlets of tranquil creeks to the long distance views from coastal heath and downland.
“The planned and manicured gardens of former Royal Estates and Victorian villas to the irregular undulating hedged fields of pasture; the dark starlit skies to the bustle and colour of festivals and events; the winding paths, shutes and hollow ways in the countryside to chines and steps down cliffs to the beach; place names and dialect to poetry, literature and art; isolated houses, hamlets and rural villages to harbour towns, castles and tumuli; plants and animals to fossilised trees and dinosaur footprints and the myriad archaeological deposits.”
The partnership added any pipeline proposal inside the IWNL has to show how these characteristics will be “maintained and enhanced”.
Its letter finishes by stating ExxonMobil’s Isle of Wight North to West route, leaving the Island at Afton Down, affects the smallest amount of land in protected landscapes.
Critchison: The reasons for doing it I don’t think justify the devastation it would cause
Councillor Claire Critchison who represents Chale, Niton and Shorwell on the Isle of Wight Council, commented on the letter,
“It just confirms all our thoughts that we should do everything we can to not let this happen because it would just change the whole dynamic of the Island – what we’ve got here is such a beautiful place.
“The reasons for doing it I don’t think justify the devastation it would cause.”
Campaign group
Councillor Critchison is in the process of setting up a campaign group opposing the pipeline with Councillor Nick Stuart who represents Brighstone, Calbourne and Shalfleet on the Isle of Wight Council.
She added the “weight” of “evidence” provided by the Partnership’s letter would “definitely” help the campaign.
ExxonMobil have been contacted for a comment.
Have your say
The public consultation closes at 6pm on Thursday 12th September 2024. You can find out more about the project by visiting the website.
The final consultation meeting on the Island takes place on Tuesday 3rd September between 10.30am and 6.30pm, at Phoenix Knights Centre, Cockleton Lane, Cowes PO31 8QE.
You can provide feedback via the project website. Alternatively, have your say by email: [email protected]
Or send by post to: Solent CO₂ Pipeline Project, 1180 Eskdale Road, Winnersh, Wokingham, RG41 5TU | UK
This article is from the BBC’s LDRS (Local Democracy Reporter Service) scheme, which News OnTheWight is taking part in. Some alterations and additions may have been made by OnTheWight. Ed
