Drone photos of Milton allotments that could be lost to AQUIND project
The AQUIND Interconnector — a £1.2 billion underwater electricity cable that’s due to run through Portsmouth en route from France to Lovedean — has been heavily contested by locals who are concerned the scheme will damage green spaces across the island.
Plans show that the AQUIND scheme would require large trenches to be dug from Eastney, through Milton, and along the Eastern Road — areas where Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan says wildlife “thrives because of the wetlands and proximity to the sea. It is essential that these endangered species are safeguarded.”
Grassroots group Keep Milton Green have been airing their objections via emails to the AQUIND inspectorate, and at the time of writing, they’re also organising an in-person protest against the project.
UPDATE (Saturday 10th October 2020): we proudly joined the Keep Milton Green protesters and MP Stephen Morgan today for a protest that stretched the length of the Milton coastline, from the Locks all the way to the Eastern Road. Here’s our drone’s-eye view of the day:
The rest of the original article continues below.
One of their most prominent concerns: the Milton allotments, some of which have been tended to by families for multiple generations. Keep Milton Green founder Kimberly Barrett said of the allotments: “they have been a good way to boost people’s physical and mental wellbeing in lockdown.”
Lib Dem Councillor Gerald Vernon-Jackson said: “I am really worried about the Milton allotments. In the maps of the areas AQUIND want to use, there's a section on Milton allotments which they want for access, but reading the small print [shows] they will have the right to remove anything in the way.”
An AQUIND spokesperson has claimed that the allotments won’t be affected by the interconnector build, as cable infrastructure will be laid via a horizontal directional drilling process. Even so, there are many valid concerns beyond just the visible effects on the surface:
Noise pollution and general disruption to residents
Impact on natural ecosystems
Undermining of old structures
Invasion of green spaces while projects are underway
Potential throttling of Eastern Road, an essential thoroughfare
Stephen Morgan added: “Since hearing about the AQUIND project, I have been taking action on behalf of Portsmouth residents.
“Despite asking repeatedly how the £1.2 billion scheme would benefit our city, it is very clear to me it will only disrupt residents’ lives and put our precious natural environment and green spaces at risk.
“That is why I continue to lobby in the strongest possible terms for constituents against this infrastructure project.”
At Solent Sky Services, we’re known for our love of documenting Portsmouth, so we went and shot some aerial photos of the allotments and Milton’s wider green spaces.
When flying near nature, it’s vital that you find a takeoff and landing spot that won’t disturb nearby wildlife. Always keep a respectable distance from natural habitats. Zoom lenses — like our Zenmuse X7 kit — are ideal for this.
And here’s a video we shot of Milton Common and its three lakes back in 2018. On some devices, you’ll be able to watch this in super-sharp 4K, at buttery-smooth 60fps. Give it a go on your TV, if it has YouTube.
The Interconnector Portsmouth website — built by Portsmouth City Council — provides some key information about the proposed project. It’s unclear how often this site will be updated, however, so do consider joining us in the Keep Milton Green group on Facebook to stay in the know about the latest developments regarding the scheme, and the outspoken residents opposing it.