Opponents to contentious pylon proposals through the Suffolk countryside are continuing their plea for alternatives to be explored – arguing that the current plan will leave ‘a legacy of visual and environmental degradation’.
Eight members of Parliament in East Anglia have written to Energy Secretary Ed Miliband to express their concerns about National Grid’s proposed pylon line for the region.
Their letter claims a presumption in favour of pylons was followed ‘rigidly and blindly’, without proper scrutiny or consideration for other options.
The pylon scheme is planned between Norwich and Tilbury, via parts of the Dedham Vale, to improve transmission capacity for energy generated offshore.
National Grid has maintained it considered offshore and underground alternatives and concluded these would be more expensive.
However, the group of Conservative MPs argue there is ‘technical evidence and overwhelming local support for an alternative to pylons’.
They cite the East Anglia Network Study, published by the National Energy System Operator (Neso) in March 2024, which they say shows an underground HVDC system – high-voltage cables capable of carrying power over long distances – would be more cost-effective.
“We recognise the mounting pressure to expand grid capacity,” the letter reads. “However, the current extensive pylon network proposed for this route is flawed.
“It would lock us into a legacy of visual and environmental degradation, damaging house prices and disrupting farms, businesses and community spaces, when there are alternative, cost-comparable options available.”
The letter also criticises the Government’s recent offer of £250 off annual energy bills for homeowners living near the pylon line as ‘a blatant bribe, intended to buy their silence and agreement’.
It further bemoans the significant investment into offshore infrastructure in other parts of the country, something that has not been reciprocated in East Anglia.
South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge, one of the letter’s co-signatories, said: “We know that HVDC undergrounding is ultimately more cost-effective than the pylon option – Neso proved this in its East Anglia Study.
“We also know an underground or offshore alternative would reduce the long-term despoilment of our beautiful countryside.
“As communities in the north of England are benefiting from billions of pounds worth of investment in offshore cabling, for the protection of their countryside, I will continue doing all I can to ensure my constituents are treated fairly.”
National Grid has insisted it held a targeted consultation in January, after reviewing feedback from previous engagement exercises.
“This helped us to identify locations where further changes could potentially be made,” said a National Grid spokesman.
“Their input will help to shape the proposals we submit for development consent.
“We limit environmental effects as much as possible and Ofgem will assess our proposals to ensure they provide value for all bill payers.
“We have considered offshore and underground alternatives and they are significantly more expensive.”
Published in the Suffolk Free Press.
You can find a copy of the joint MP letter below.
