Local leaders objects to plans for pylons between Bramford and Twinstead
The project would see 18 km of overhead lines and around 11 km of underground cable installed
Suffolk County Council's formally objecting to National Grid’s plans to build 29 km of electricity pylons and cabling between Bramford and Twinstead.
The project would see 18 km of overhead lines and around 11 km of underground cable through the Dedham Vale National Landscape and in the Stour Valley.
The local authority says National Grid's failed to adequately safeguard Suffolk’s environment and communities affected by the scheme, not going far enough to mitigate the impact of the scheme.
They also argued that supervision of construction would be inadequate.
"We are very concerned about the shortcomings of the proposal"
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Environment, said:
“National Grid’s approach to the building of this project is unacceptable and disappointing, particularly given that we have been working closely with them since 2008 to develop the best possible outcome.
“We and the other local authorities have been clear throughout the development of this scheme regarding its sensitivity, both from the impact of the project itself and from the construction of the project.
"Therefore, the request for appropriate oversight and safeguards should be no surprise to the applicant.
“We are very concerned about the shortcomings of the proposal. It does not provide us, or other local authorities, with adequate powers to protect the interests of our communities or environment during the construction of the project.
"This sets a wholly unacceptable precedent for other National Grid projects in Suffolk.
“We all recognise the need to deliver this project at pace, but we are seeking to secure safeguards and control mechanisms that are necessary and reasonable, and that have been agreed to by multiple energy project promoters in Suffolk, and elsewhere - we have been left with no choice but to object.”
The council says inspectors will now prepare a report for the Secretary of State at the Department of Energy and Net Zero, with a decision expected later in six months’ time.