Norwich to Tilbury pylon scheme called ‘un-coordinated decimation of our county’
Suffolk County Council has maintained its objection to the current plans for National Grid’s Norwich to Tilbury pylon project
Last updated 12th Feb 2026
Suffolk County Council is still opposing plans for new pylons between Norwich and Tilbury, as the project faces scrutiny in public hearings this week.
The council says the scheme threatens the county’s landscapes and communities, and criticises National Grid for failing to consider better alternatives.
Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s Cabinet Member for Devolution, Local Government Reorganisation and NSIPs, said: "Councils in Norfolk Suffolk and Essex commissioned a study, which indicated that the project could be deferred by 5 years to 2035 and on that basis, an offshore scheme using high voltage direct current would be compatible in cost.
Therefore, the Council considers that the applicant did not adequately address the issue of alternatives at the pre-application stage or provide sufficient clarity on the needs case in relation to the required connection date of 2031."
“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.”
Nation Grid response:
A spokesperson for National Grid said: "We understand there is strong local interest in the Norwich to Tilbury project. Our submitted plans, accepted by the Planning Inspectorate for examination, show that alternative options have been fully costed and considered, and set out the rationale for the preferred route.
The project needs to be delivered as soon as possible to connect offshore wind and help reduce ongoing costs for homes and businesses. Plans for coordination, along with environmental plans and assessments, have been submitted as part of our proposals and will be reviewed through the independent Examination process, which allows local people and stakeholders to have their views heard.
If approved, the project will support economic growth, secure skilled jobs, and as demand doubles in the coming years, ensure reliable electricity for homes, businesses and public services across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex.”