National Grid agrees review in to pylon plans, which could see 180km of pylons across East Anglia

National Grid has agreed to conduct a review into plans to construct 180km of pylons across East Anglia– after facing a chorus of discontent over the project.

The utility giant had been accused by opposing campaigners of not giving serious consideration to alternate options to the 50-metre structures, such as offshore cables.

Rosie Pearson, founder of the Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons action group, hailed the decision as an important step forward in the fight to win agreement to a co-ordinated offshore grid, but remains highly critical of the protocol around the review process.

She said: “It’s a double-edged sword at this point. While we obviously welcome the change of heart, we are far from happy that National Grid has not yet postponed its second consultation process.

“It is crazy that the company plans to go ahead with the second consultation about pylons when its own division is running the review process.

“National Grid must delay that second consultation until the review results are known. If not, it would appear that the review is not independent in the slightest, and that a decision has already been made.”

The review decision comes after months of campaigning by pressure groups, backed by local MPs and a 23,000-strong petition.

The East Anglia Green project is a proposal to build a new high-voltage network reinforcement between Norwich, Bramford and Tilbury. It would include a fresh line of pylons running alongside the A140 between Roydon and Bressingham.

National Grid says the scheme is needed in order to increase capacity, playing a vital role in delivering electricity efficiently, reliably, and safely, while supporting the UK’s move to reduce carbon emissions.

Mrs Pearson, however, wants to see greater consideration given to burying the cables underground, without carving up large swathes of the region’s countryside.

“There has been an ever-rising tide of public anger and concern about these plans – and East Anglia action groups stand united in the battle to switch pylon construction from overhead to undersea,” she said.

“We now need to ensure the review covers all of our key questions and concerns.”

The campaigner has requested an early meeting with National Grid ESO (Electricity System Operator) at which it will demand the new review includes:

l An investigation into offshore energy islands for associated infrastructure.

l A full survey of, and consultation on, brownfield sites for landing points.

l A study of all alternatives to new overhead lines through countryside.

Mrs Pearson added that she would be pushing for the review to be completely transparent, unbiased and with all background evidence openly provided for scrutiny.

The review is expected to be published in the summer.