Mental health survey launched in opposition to Norwich to Tilbury pylon project
94% of current respondents have had their mental health impacted, according to opposition group Pylons East Anglia
The Norwich to Tilbury pylon project is facing fresh opposition, as the results of a mental health survey for residents affected by the plans will be submitted to the inspectorate.
Pylons East Anglia, who are campaigning for an offshore project, say 94% of people who have already responded say their mental health has been impacted.
They say they are "very concerned about the impact" that the project will have on the mental health of affected residents.
National Grid have said that they have received "more than 20,000 pieces of feedback during three years of public consultation", and that "every submission has been read and considered as we understand this is a significant proposal for many people and could be a source of concern and uncertainty."
Rosie Pearson, from Pylons East Anglia, said:
"The pylons project is currently being examined by the planning inspectorate and they do have to take human health into account.
"So we hope the survey will impact in their decision making and that they will listen to us about the alternatives to pylons that do not cause such mental anguish.
"The pylons project is being bulldozed through the system without a thought for the people that live in the region."
She said that data from the responses they have received so far is "shocking."
"94% of respondents say the project has reduced their ability to relax at home, 95% have had trouble sleeping, some of those every night, and a shocking 17% have had thoughts of self-harm because of the project."
National Grid also said: "We have held face-to-face meetings with those who have wanted to speak to us and encourage anyone with concerns to contact us via our usual contact channels. The project is vital to make sure people in East Anglia have the energy they will need in the future, and the Planning Inspectorate process provides a further opportunity for views to be formally submitted and independently examined."