Plans for pylons from Norfolk to Essex, via Suffolk, to be reconsidered
A new grant means a study will be looking into the necessity of pylons
Plans for pylons which would stretch between Norfolk and Essex via a substation in Suffolk are to be reconsidered.
It's as the Government has agreed to fund a study into the possibility of using off-shore cabling as an alternative method of connecting two windfarms.
Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex County Councils are fighting against National Grid's plans the new pylons which would stretch from Norwich in the north to Tilbury in the south, via a substation close to Ipswich.
£1.7 million of funding has been announced, with the potential for a further £11.7 million grant, for the consortium of windfarms to look into the possibility of linking the farms through off-shore cabling.
If successful, it's thought this will mean no new pylons or substations would be needed in Essex, Norfolk or Suffolk.
The plans for new pylons from National Grid have continuously have faced massive opposition from locals, campaigners and politicians - who've expressed concerns about the environmental impact, and the placement of the pylons in areas of natural beauty.
"This is a significant victory"
Clacton MP, Giles Watling, has hailed the funding from the Government as a "significant victory" as it would mean no new pylons in his constituency.
In a statement, Mr Watling said:
"The news that the Government has finally agreed to consider my calls for off-shore solutions is incredibly welcome. This is a significant victory for North Essex and offers my constituents a very real chance that no new pylons or substations will blight our landscape and areas of natural beauty. I have repeatedly called for this in the House and in meetings with Ministers and in light of this announcement I hope that this funding brings relief to my constituents."
Local residents across East Anglia can voice their opinions in upcoming consulations.