The latest statutory consultation on a contentious pylon proposal has begun – but opposition campaigners say alternatives are being ignored.
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 cut through large swathes of Suffolk and Norfolk countryside, including in Bressingham and Diss.
In the Waveney Valley, some cables would now run underground following feedback from communities.
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.”
How to have your say on the consultation:
Anyone unable to attend one of the community events below can complete an online questionnaire by going to bit.ly/3VXRcyl.
To request a paper copy, call 0800 915 2497. Alternatively, any comments can be emailed to contact@n-t.nationalgrid.com. For more information, go online to ngrid.com/4ayEIl8
Public information event at Gislingham Village Hall on Tuesday, April 30, between 12pm and 5pm.
Public information event at Tibenham Community Hall on Friday, May 10, between 1pm and 6pm.
Public information event at Diss Town Football Club on Wednesday, May 15, between 1pm and 6pm.
