The latest statutory consultation on a contentious pylon proposal running through Suffolk has begun – but opposition campaigners say alternatives are being ignored yet again.
National Grid started a fresh consultation period yesterday, seeking comments on its planned power line reinforcement between Norwich and Tilbury, to improve transmission of energy generated at offshore wind farms.
The current proposed route would include underground cabling through part of the Dedham Vale Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) and Stour Valley.
Set to run until June 18, the consultation comes just weeks after the publication of an Electricity Systems Operator review, which explored other potential options to reinforcing transmission infrastructure in East Anglia.
This has led an opposition campaign, the Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons group, to accuse National Grid of “bullying through a project that brings nothing but harm to the region”, as it vowed to continue the fight.
Rosie Pearson, who founded the pylons action group, said: “Here we go again. We were prepared for this, but this is the third time National Grid has failed to present alternatives to pylons.
“That is despite a recent ESO review showing an offshore option to be significantly cheaper than has been claimed by National Grid.
“An option that undergrounds the cables along the entire route appears also to have been ignored, despite being very good value for money.
“National Grid has, therefore, steadfastly ignored what stakeholders have been saying.”
James Cartlidge, the Member of Parliament for South Suffolk, also expressed concerns that National Grid had launched the statutory consultation before there was time to consider the findings of the ESO review.
Mr Cartlidge will host a public meeting at Hintlesham and Chattisham Community Centre on April 26 at 7pm, with representatives of the ESO present to answer questions about the pylon scheme.
“I’ve already appealed to National Grid to pause the statutory period to treat my constituents fairly, who want time to consider the new options that are now on the table,” he said.
“As they are not going to do so, I’m going to be holding my own consultation with affected communities to ensure that they see all the facts.
“My constituents deserve a fair deal and I will do everything possible to ensure that happens.”
Published by the Suffolk Free Press.
