Proposed designs for new pylons cutting across East Anglia revealed

The National Grid has revealed what the pylons - which will run between Norwich and Tilbury - could look like

A modern 'T pylon' is one of the proposed designs
Author: George Thompson, Local Democracy Reporting ServicePublished 24th Jul 2023

The three types of pylons that could cut across East Anglian countryside have been revealed.

National Grid wants to build a major new 112-mile 400kV powerline line it says is vital to help the UK achieve its ambition of net zero emissions by 2050.

As part of the work, pylons will have to be built across the south Norfolk countryside, running from Dunston, near Norwich, to Tilbury on the Thames estuary.

While the classic, tall lattice structure has been used as part of the initial assessment, National Grid has suggested two other types as part of its consultation.

The standard lattice pylons are already a familiar site across East Anglia

These are a shorter lattice design, similar to the standard option but which requires more pylons to be built, and a modern ‘T-pylon’ – which has a single pole with two arms coming off the top.

T-pylons were first used in Somerset in 2021 and are the first new design in almost 100 years.

National Grid has said: “For the purposes of our initial assessments being presented at the consultation, the preferred draft alignment reflects the use of standard lattice pylons.

“The use of other pylon designs is still under consideration and we will be carrying out further assessments on pylon design which will include visual impacts and mitigation, environmental and ecological considerations, construction and lifetime maintenance effects.”

Lower height pylons are also being considered - but this design will require more pylons to be built

The use of pylons in the plan have been controversial, with critics saying the scheme will lead to the “annihilation of the countryside” and instead the powerlines should go offshore or underground.

But the company says the scheme is needed to increase supply as demand increases, particularly as the country moves towards more reliance on wind power, much of which will be generated off the Norfolk coast.

And digging trenches through south Norfolk or going offshore has been ruled out as too expensive.

The consultation for the powerline runs until August 21.

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