PM makes a promise to address concerns of residents in firing line of pylons
RISHI Sunak has promised ministers will take into account public concerns when a decision is made on a proposed 140km pylon line from Grimsby to Norfolk.
The prime minister was asked by Cleethorpes MP Martin Vickers at PMQs for reassurance that ministers will “give sympathetic consideration to putting some of the sections underground”.
Mr Vickers said the plans to build 50 metre-high pylon lines through Lincolnshire has caused “much consternation”, particularly in rural areas.
Rishi Sunak stated there was a balance between the installation of required energy infrastructure and the concerns of local residents. But he promised ministers would take into account the latter.
The prime minister said Mr Vickers was right to raise constituents’ concerns, adding: “And he will recognise the balance we need to strike by making sure that we give our country the energy security it needs, but do that in a way that is respectful of the impact upon local communities.”
He promised to ensure ministers “take into account the concerns that he’s raised and that all the views of his local constituents are taken into account”.
Any government decision to give permission on the proposed pylon line is at least one general election cycle away.
National Grid’s preliminary consultation, which concluded earlier this month, gave a route corridor for the proposed overhead line. It would start by the existing Grimsby West substation, then travel west of Laceby, in between Barnoldby-le-Beck and Waltham, and close to Brigsley and Ashby cum Fenby, before continuing on through Lincolnshire County Council area, via North Thoresby.
The results of the first consultation will shape the more detailed proposals to be considered in the legally-required consultation next year. Because of the scale of the project, planning permission will be decided by a Secretary of State. National Grid currently anticipate construction to start in 2029.
The infrastructure is needed to meet growing demand for electricity. National Grid has projected an overhead line would cost a little over £1bn. It estimates offshore and onshore underground alternatives would cost £4.4bn and £6.5bn, respectively. National Grid investment in power lines is paid for by it upfront. These costs are passed onto customers over the following 40 years.
The proposed route corridor does not involve going through the Lincolnshire Wolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). But many Lincolnshire residents, local authorities and local MPs have expressed opposition, primarily on visual and environmental grounds.
Lincolnshire County Council has indicated it would consider taking legal action to try to stop the pylons.
North East Lincolnshire Council has expressed its opposition to an overhead line, and indicated a willingness to support legal action by its neighbour.
The Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Marc Jones, has also objected. He has argued it would pose “a serious risk” to the capabilities of the county’s emergency services by potentially impacting on communications.
National Grid’s project director, Ben Muncey, has said the first consultation gathered around 4,500 pieces of feedback from local people, adding: “We will carefully consider their feedback as we continue to shape our proposals, before holding a further consultation next year.”