Electrical Substation in Greenwich

[helenmitch]

The council have just approved for the University of Greenwich's School of Architecture to put a temporary (a minimum of three years) electrical substation behind my house. I am really worried about the health impact on the kids - they are not even two years old and I am 39 weeks pregnant. Reading what I can about substations it seems that it can cause serious health issues such as leukemia which is terrifying me. I have started a petition to take back to the University and Council. www.gopetition.com/petitions/move-the-substation.html I do not know what else to do. Has anyone had to fight something like this before/ any advice?

Or, does anyone know anything about the safety distances of substations? This one is an intermediate so the voltage will be high- does that make a difference?

You say its been approved. Do you mean they've been granted planning permission? If so, you should have been notified beforehand and had plenty of time to make an objection. If you weren't notified I think that might be grounds to halt the process and make an appeal. I'd start by contacting your local planning office.

From what little I know there is no good evidence of a link between substations and childhood illnesses such as leukaemia so make sure you're looking at reputable sites.

Hi Helen - if you call uk power networks 0845 601 4516(they are the distributor of electricity in your area they will be able to provide you with information regarding EMF's - (electro magnetic fields) and their effects - I have heard that you'll have more effect from emf's standing near your microwave whilst it's in use than from a sub-station so I don't think you have too much to worry about