National Grid have launched their third statutory consultation on their proposed Norwich to Tilbury Pylon Project.
The Statutory Consultation which will run until 18th June and follows two non-statutory consultations in 2022 and 2023.
In a motion to Full Council Essex County Council strongly opposed to the proposed pylon plans and re-asserted their view that the pylons should be off-shore grid. This re-affirms their position submitted in the last two consultation on the pylons.
An integrated offshore solution will avoid the harm to the local economy, environment and the health and wellbeing of local communities across Essex which would be caused by 180km of 50m steel latticed pylons. As well as the dreadful visual impact this would have on Essex’s precious open green spaces.
During the meeting, Councillors expressed disappointment that little had changed following previous consultation and called on National Grid to reconsider their plans, considering alternatives and presented evidence. Deep concern was expressed that the latest proposals from National Grid dismisses alternative options and timescales, including off-shore and underground alternatives.
The National Grid have also ignored the ‘Hiorns Smart Energy Networks review’ which was published in November 2023. The review was commissioned jointly by Essex, Suffolk, and Norfolk County Council and challenged the delivery date of 2030, and suggested that the need for additional transmission capacity would be closer to 2035. Therefore, providing time for the consideration of more acceptable options.
Deputy Leader of Essex County Council, Cllr Louise McKinlay stated, “These plans as presented in National Grid’s statutory consultation need re-thinking. If they go ahead they will have a negative impact on Essex Residents, communities and the local environment. They will be a blight on the openness of our green spaces.” Other options need to be considered including integrated offshore solutions and looking at a later date of implementation in 2035.”
