Campaigners considering legal action against Pylon plans
National Grid is due to submit its final proposals for the 'Norwich to Tilbury' project, shortly
A local campaign group says it’s ready to take the government to court if plans for new pylons in Norwich go ahead
National Grid is expected to submit its final proposals for the project imminently, which are required for it's 'Development Consent Order'.
The 'Norwich to Tilbury' pylon proposals,wants to see overhead cables running from between Norwich Main Substation and Tilbury Substation, passing through Bramford Substation.
The Government has pledged to deliver clean energy by 2030, as part of efforts to boost the economy, cut climate emissions and reduce Britain's exposure to volatile fossil fuel prices.
"There are so many better ways of doing this"
Rosie Pearson leads the Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk Pylons Action Group
"When that consent order is submitted we will be calling for those plans to be rejected by the planning inspectorate.
"We will be saying that the process of consultation is unlawful, throughout every consultation it has held.
"There are so many better ways of doing this. We are not saying no to the infrastructure, we are just saying do it in a more environmentally friendly.
"We've argued for more undergrounded and a closer following of the German model, which have done it in a cheaper and more effective way".
What's National Grid said on the importance of this project?
"East Anglia’s 400,000 volts (400 kV) electricity transmission network was built in the 1960s to supply regional demand, centred around Norwich and Ipswich.
"With the growth in new energy generation from offshore wind, nuclear power and interconnection with other countries, there will be more electricity connected in East Anglia than the network can currently accommodate.
Over the next decade we expect over 15,000 MW of new generation and 4,500 MW of new interconnection will need to connect in the region".
"We need to deliver homegrown, affordable energy"
Minister for energy consumers Miatta Fahnbulleh said: "As we build the infrastructure we need to deliver homegrown, affordable energy, communities must be given a stake.
"That is why we are teaming up with communities hosting new pylons to ensure they receive direct, tangible benefits.
"We are on the side of those who want Britain to get back to what it does best: building for the future, driving innovation and putting communities first."
"We are overhauling the energy system"
A Department for Energy Security and Net Zero spokesperson said:
“We need new infrastructure to protect family and national finances with energy security, through clean homegrown power we control.
“We are overhauling the energy system, building the grid we need and connecting new power projects to reach our 2030 target.
“These are subject to a rigorous planning process, in which the views and interests of the local community are considered.”