Suffolk leaders challenge controversial pylon plans during National Grid examination
The Planning Inspectorate has been listening to public concerns as they review the plans
Suffolk County Council has reiterated its opposition to the proposed Norwich to Tilbury electricity transmission project as a public examination into the plans continues.
The project, led by National GridElectricity Transmission, would see new infrastructure built to carry power from Norwich to Tilbury in Essex. The project would mean a 114-mile (about 185km) network of pylons would travel across the three counties. Supporters are arguing it is needed to meet growing electricity demand and support the transition to cleaner energy.
More details on this infrastructure project can be found here.
You can read more from campaigners from the Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons Action Group here.
However, Richard Rout, Cabinet Member for Devolution, Local Government Reform and Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects at Suffolk County Council, said the authority has “huge concerns” about the proposals.
“We’ve always had huge concerns about this project,” he said.
“There are clear alternatives that we don’t think have been properly explored. Of course, our preference, first and foremost, is for an offshore grid. Second to that, we think that something called high voltage direct current undergrounding of the entire project is feasible.”
The Planning Inspectorate has begun examining the application through a series of open floor hearings, where councils, organisations and members of the public can outline their views before a recommendation is made to the Secretary of State.
Councillor concerns
Councillor Rout said a study commissioned by Suffolk, Essex and Norfolk councils suggested the reinforcement may not be required as soon as planned.
“This project, the pylons, the reinforcement isn’t needed until 2035. So why are we rushing ahead to 2031? We’ve actually got time to pause, take stock, and look at alternatives to the project,” he said.
He also raised concerns about the potential local impact of the infrastructure.
“These are 50 metre high pylons that will carve through our three counties permanently desecrating that landscape, sometimes ruining property prices, other times ruining livelihoods, tourism, farming,” he said.
“This is a permanent change to our landscape and to people’s way of life.”
The council has also highlighted issues, including working hours during construction, possible tree loss and the effect on areas such as the Waveney Valley.
Government response
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said new infrastructure is necessary to support the UK’s energy system.
A spokesperson said:
“We need new grid infrastructure to provide energy security and bring down bills for good.
“We are delivering the biggest upgrade in Great Britain’s electricity network in decades to meet the capacity needed for clean power by 2030.”
The department added that, because of the Secretary of State’s quasi-judicial role in planning decisions, it is unable to comment on specific projects.
National Grid comments
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.”
Background
The independent report commissioned by Suffolk County Council was based on wind farms not being built on time to connect. The report confirmed there is the need for onshore electricity infrastructure to connect the growth of developed energy projects on the east coast, and that the most economical option for Norwich to Tilbury remains onshore overhead lines, and pylons.
We are progressing these projects, in line with our licence and regulatory obligations, to support the delivery of offshore wind, facilitating greater energy security from home-grown more affordable, cleaner sources.
What happens next?
There will also be hearings at Orsett Hall near Grays, Essex today (12th February 2026) and Friday, and at The Space, Norwich, on Friday (13th Feburary 2026)
The Norwich to Tilbury proposal is classified as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project. Following the examination process, the Planning Inspectorate will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State, who will then decide whether development consent should be granted.
Open floor hearings allow interested parties to present evidence and outline how they believe the scheme could affect their communities.