Final bid to block march of the pylons

A last-ditch bid to force National Grid to abandon its plans to run a pylon line through the east Kent countryside has been made to the government.

Canterbury MP Julian Brazier has written to the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, Greg Clark, urging him to order the energy network company back to the drawing board.

National Grid wants to erect dozens of 50-metre-high pylons between Richborough and Canterbury as part of the Nemo link, tapping into power from Belgium.

Herne Bay and South Thanet MPS Roger Gale and Craig Mackinlay have also spoken out against the Richborough Connection scheme.

In his letter, Mr Brazier says: “We all recognise the need to keep the lights on, but this scheme is neither desirable nor necessary. If allowed, it would scar some of east Kent’s most beautiful landscapes with massive and intrusive structures.

“This project would also severely hamper the building of a vital Broad Oak reservoir designed to provide the area with its future water supply.

“Our discussions with South East Water indicate the company has grave concerns about the potential impact of the proposed scheme.

“If it is necessary to import power from Germany, via Bel- gium, then there is a viable undersea route from Zeebrugge to Kingsnorth in Ashford that would connect to the British National Grid with no need for unsightly infrastructure.

“We believe that scant attention has been paid to this option, which might be slightly more costly in the short term but would, in the longer term, be highly cost-effective.

“Could I urge you to order Nemo Link and National Grid to go back to the drawing board and, if they want to import elec- tricity from mainland Europe, come up with an underwater scheme that is environmentally acceptable.”

A planning inspector is considering the application and representations and will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State.

If he approves the plans, work could start next summer.

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Main picture: Antony Quarrell. Inset picture: Paul Amos FM2139868 The pylons would have a huge impact on much of east Kent. Inset, Julian Brazier MP