Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex County Council leaders sign joint letters opposing pylon plans
The project would see new cables run between Norwich and Tilbury via a substation near Ipswich
Last updated 12th Sep 2023
The leaders of Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex County Councils have come together to sign a joint letter - urging the National Grid to rethink plans for new pylons cutting across East Anglia.
The East Anglia Green project would see new cables run between Norwich and Tilbury via a substation near Ipswich.
The National Grid says the project is essential, with the extra capacity going to support new windfarms and the Sizewell C nuclear reactor.
The letter in full:
"Without prejudice to the further consideration of the above offshore options, the Councils also consider that the proposed mitigation and compensation as currently proposed falls far short in terms of what should be provided.
"This includes the need to provide additional undergrounding in sensitive areas: in the vicinity of the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty; and in and around Diss & the Waveney Valley.
"If the proposed development goes ahead, the Councils will be seeking an appropriate community benefits package in accordance with Government thinking as well as initiatives to work with local businesses.
"This is likely to include developing skills & employment strategies, landscape enhancements, and measures to offset energy poverty.
"In addition, it is considered that National Grid should make a commitment to explore the wider potential opportunities and benefits in order to ensure that there is accompanying investment in the transmission networks to provide power to meet the needs of existing and planned growth in these areas.
"If the proposals develop further the Councils would also like to see National Grid develop a more participatory approach to public consultation so that local communities can help find the best solutions within their area of jurisdiction.
"Yours sincerely,
"Matthew Hicks, Leader of Suffolk County Council
"Kay Mason Billig, Leader of Norfolk County Council
"Kevin Bentley, Leader of Essex County Council"