Pylons scheme accepted for DCO examination by Planning Inspectorate
During the pre-examination stage, organisations and members of the public can register as Interested Parties if they want to be involved in the planning process (pic National Grid)
National Grid’s scheme to place a line of pylons from Norwich to Tilbury has moved a step closer to fruition.
The Planning Inspectorate has accepted NG’s application for a Development Consent Order, which takes the East Anglia GREEN project – part of the so-called Great Grid Upgrade – to the pre-examination phase.
The National Grid plans entail a new 112-mile high-voltage power line upgrading the transmission network between the existing substations at Norwich Main in Norfolk, Bramford in Suffolk and Tilbury in Essex.
NG says the project will “play a vital role in connecting more renewable energy to the grid, helping to meet rising electricity demand, strengthening energy security and supporting regional economic growth”.
CPRE Essex has questioned the need for this project and believes the full range of alternatives was neither adequately assessed nor properly consulted upon.
We appreciate the UK is looking to reach net-zero targets and achieve greater energy security by increased use of renewable energy but say that the emphasis should be on technologies that will minimise adverse impact on productive farmland and the visual quality of tranquil and historic landscapes.
During the pre-examination stage, organisations and members of the public can register as Interested Parties if they want to be involved in the planning process.