Babergh and Mid Suffolk leaders object 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
Local leaders are objecting to plans to build nearly thirty kilometres of electricity pylons between Bramford and Twinstead.
Natinoal Grid's project would see 18 km of overhead lines and around 11 km of underground cable built through the Dedham Vale National Landscape and in the Stour Valley - to increase capacity in the area.
Now, Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils have formally objected to the plans for more electricity pylons between Bramford and Twinstead – saying the impact on the countryside is too great.
The firm wants to reinforce the network to create additional capacity, but the councils say there are significant shortcomings with the proposals.
The comments were made in their submission to the national Planning Inspectorate, which has just completed the examination stage of the proposal, ahead of preparing a report for the Secretary of State, who will make a final decision.
Babergh and Mid Suffolk said National Grid had not fully considered the impact on tourism – describing this as a “serious omission”.
Cllr John Ward, Babergh District Council acting leader, said: “The development, given its location across the Dedham Vale National Landscape and the Stour Valley project area, will have significant impact upon visitor perception and ultimately visitor numbers. The impact on our residents of the proximity of the development is also going to be significant.
“It is unacceptable that these impacts have not been assessed.”
Cllr Ward added: “We have expressed our concern about the lack of undergrounding between the National Landscape sections and we know that our communities feel they haven’t been listened to on this matter and on the location of infrastructure.”
Mid Suffolk District Council cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure, Cllr Andrew Stringer, said: “We understand why National Grid wants to increase capacity, but we need a joined-up plan which doesn’t sacrifice what makes our landscape so special.
“There are still significant shortcomings with their proposals which need to be addressed. We would also stress that critical national infrastructure must not only help meet net zero, but also deliver sustainable benefits to the communities where it is situated.”
The Planning Inspectorate will now write a report for the Secretary of State, who will make a final decision.
Last week Suffolk County Council also spoke out against the plans.