Norwich to Tilbury pylon scheme is ‘un-coordinated decimation of our county’

The first Open Floor Hearing took place Tuesday 10 February in Ipswich, as an opportunity for interested parties to present their views in person to the Examination panel.

Councillor Richard Rout spoke on behalf of Suffolk County Council, citing a number of long-standing and unresolved objections as to why the council believes the current project proposal should not go ahead. These include:

• The lack of alternative proposals provided by National Grid

• Insufficient clarity on the need for a connection date of 2031

• Concern over working hours to include weekends and bank holidays

• Extensive tree loss and environmental impacts

• The need to protect and enhance the Dedham Vale national landscape

• The need for compensation measures in the Waveney Valley

• Higher quality and more robust outline management plans

“The county council fully supports the need to resolve the country’s energy security. But not like this. The ill-considered, un-coordinated decimation of our county by nationally significant infrastructure projects like Norwich to Tilbury, simply cannot continue.” Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Devolution, Local Government Reorganisation and NSIPs

Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Devolution, Local Government Reorganisation and NSIPs, said:

“My primary concern is for our many local communities who would be affected by this huge project cutting its way through Suffolk.

“Their trust - and the council’s - has been shattered by National Grid Group which has taken an inconsistent, disorganised and uncoordinated approach to engage the public, and other consultees, regarding alternatives to their proposed scheme.

“Furthermore, we question the apparent urgency of requiring a connection date of 2031. Together with county councils in Norfolk and Essex, we commissioned a study, which indicated that the project could be deferred by five years and on that basis, an offshore scheme using high voltage direct current would be compatible in cost.

“As the current proposal stands, we have many concerns. From weekend working hours and construction traffic which will significantly impact the wellbeing of residents, to the extensive environmental damage and impact on national landscapes.

“The county council fully supports the need to resolve the country’s energy security. But not like this. The ill-considered, un-coordinated decimation of our county by nationally significant infrastructure projects like Norwich to Tilbury, simply cannot continue.”

The Examination stage is expected to take up to six months.