The Great Pylon Debate

Chris Brown, Lib Dem Parliamentary candidate for South Norfolk, has been listening to and backing resident’s concerns about National Grid’s proposed Norwich to Tilbury electricity transmission line since it was first announced in 2022. alongside local Liberal Democrat councillors in Mulbarton and Stoke Holy Cross.

Chris Brown stated, “I have consistently listened to local concerns about the transmission line and pylons over the last two years, and actively engaged in the consultation process.”

In July 2022, Chris proposed a motion at South Norfolk Council to seek National Grid responses to resident’s concerns, lobby Government to fully value the areas of natural habitat and beauty along the route and to push for a full evaluation of alternatives, such as an undersea transmission line.

Chris’ motion was backed by the whole Council.

Chris continued, “Last month I attended the consultation exhibition at Tibenham, questioned National Grid representatives, raised local concerns with them and set out my view that alternatives still require full consideration. Having considered the detailed findings of National Grid’s recent ‘East Anglia Network Study’, I discussed this directly with senior project representatives.”

“There are better alternatives to the current proposal, and I am frustrated that the Conservative Government’s push for the lowest cost option of overhead lines through the countryside is still on the table. Although a fully underground option or offshore alternative would come at some additional cost, this must be set against the fact that more offshore windfarms will provide huge cost savings for our energy over their lifetime. Just part of these savings should be used to make sure that the Norfolk countryside remains as beautiful as it is today for future generations.”

Chris added, “I am also very conscious of the huge impact this plan would have on farmers in the area, with many suffering a significant loss of productive land. Our food security should be an important factor in the consideration of these plans.”

Chris concluded, “It is important to connect these vital renewable energy sources to the grid rapidly so we can meet net zero targets, but the solution can and must respect our countryside and the natural environment.”

(The National Grid consultation has been extended to 26th July because of the General Election. For more details  go to the Nationa Grid website at https://www.nationalgrid.com/electricity-transmission/network-and-infrastructure/infrastructure-projects/norwich-to-tilbury)

Background:

Chris Brown’s motion to South Norfolk Council in the Full Council meeting minutes, 11 July 2022, available here: https://democracy.southnorfolkandbroadland.gov.uk/documents/g227/Printed%20minutes%2011th-Jul-2022%2019.30%20South%20Norfolk%20Council.pdf?T=1 )