Essex County Council stands firm on opposition to new Norfolk to Tilbury pylon line
ECC would prefer an underground solution but the National Grid say pylons are the best option.
Essex County Council is reaffirming its opposition to proposals for a new electricity transmission line between Norfolk and Essex.
The authority argues that any new transmission network should be delivered offshore rather than through the overhead pylon scheme.
The Norwich to Tilbury project would see around 100 miles of pylons installed. It will start at Norwich, passing through Suffolk before finishing at Tilbury in Essex.
National Grid have said it's needed to connect new sources of electricity, including offshore wind. They believe it'll help ensure a reliable supply of power across the region.
A Essex County Council spokesperson said: "Essex County Council has reaffirmed its in-principle objection to National Grid’s Norwich and Tilbury proposal."
"The proposal would see 100 miles of pylons installed between Norwich and Tilbury. "
"An examination by the Planning Inspectorate into the proposal concluded on 10 August, where the council gave a closing statement and reaffirmed its concerns."
"The council urged the Planning Inspectorate to give significant weight to alternative options, including offshore transmission technology and greater use of underground cabling, rather than relying mainly on overhead power lines."
"ECC has been clear that these alternatives are essential to reducing the impact on local communities and the environment."
"It also raised strong concerns about the impact of the project, particularly around Ardleigh and Tendring. The project would add to the effects of other planned infrastructure developments in these areas and increase disruption for local residents."
"While the council secured some mitigation measures through the examination process, it continues to press for stronger safeguards and greater certainty around how the project's impacts on communities and the environment will be managed. The formal decision on this proposal, which will be made by the Secretary of State, is currently expected in February 2027."
Councillor Jeff Bray, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Heritage, said: "We have opposed this proposal throughout the process, arguing that any new transmission network should be delivered offshore rather than through the overhead pylon scheme proposed by National Grid."
“Now that the examination has concluded, I sincerely hope that the inspector will give serious consideration to the points we and many others have raised."
“This is a truly huge piece of infrastructure that, if not created sensitively, will have a lasting and devastating effect on a great number of villages, communities and farms across our county."
“I will await the outcome and hope that the decision makers see sense and make the changes to this plan, that are so obviously needed.”
A spokesperson for National Grid said: “We understand there is strong local interest in the Norwich to Tilbury project. Our proposals, which have just been examined by the Planning Inspectorate, show that alternative options have been fully assessed and costed, with the rationale for the preferred route set out in our application."
"The project is needed to connect new sources of electricity, including offshore wind, and help ensure a reliable supply of power for homes, businesses and public services across the region."
"The independent Examination process allows local authorities, communities and other stakeholders to have their views heard before a recommendation is made to the Secretary of State.”