One particular blow came at the beginning of this latest consultation, with National Grid writing to local leaders in Norfolk and Suffolk saying that there would be no undergrounding in the Waveney Valley.
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Devolution, Local Government Reform and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects, said:
“We are bitterly disappointed that pylons are still the go-to solution for this project, and particularly those destined to cut across the Waveney Valley’s valued landscape, rather than going underground, or ideally offshore. We still firmly contend that less damaging alternatives to the project have not been properly considered.
“Despite making clear our overall opposition to the scheme, we have influenced some alterations proposed by National Grid, such as the undergrounding of smaller pylons, owned by UK Power Networks in some places, such as the Burgate area, which will reduce the visual and landscape impact and protect the operations of local airfields.
“At the next stage of the process, when the Planning Inspectorate is presented with the plans, we will continue to pursue our preferences for no pylons at all, to make the scheme better and safer for our communities.
“But should pylons ultimately be given the go-ahead across Suffolk, Norfolk and Essex, despite our opposition, we will continue to work with National Grid to make sure communities are fairly treated and compensated – something which has not yet been evident.”
One of the considerable changes that the county council believes is possible in the current set of plans, is the option to remove some existing powerlines between Bramford and Lawford.
The county council believes that National Grid, UK Power Networks and the regulator, Ofgem, should work together to investigate removing this line, which goes through two National Landscapes and passes close by the iconic Willy Lott’s cottage at Flatford.
Suffolk County Council’s response to the latest, and previous, consultations can be found at suffolk.gov.uk
According to National Grid’s website, they intend to submit a Development Consent Order application to the Planning Inspectorate for the Norwich to Tilbury project some time in 2025.
