'Tweaks' proposed to Tilbury-Norwich pylon plans

Changes could be made to 30 sites along a route where pylons have been proposed following feedback from the public and local organisations, National Grid said.

It wants to install 114 miles (180km) of pylons between Tilbury in Essex and Norwich, to carry electricity produced by offshore wind farms.

The 30 locations in Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk could be subject to "minor adjustments and tweaks" - and those affected would be asked for their feedback, senior project manager Simon Pepper said.

Campaigners who have opposed the pylons said National Grid was showing "very selective hearing" and should consider alternatives, such as laying all of the cabling underground.

"National Grid is choosing what it wants to hear," said Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons Group campaigner Rosie Pearson.

"It's told us pylons are the only way for three years, and now it's saying 'aren't we lucky, we can have them moved a bit to the left or right'. But it's a pretty pathetic attempt at listening."

Mr Pepper said National Grid had received 13,000 pieces of community engagement and feedback over the last three years, which had "really been at the heart of this project from day one".

"They're fairly minor changes, but we're very keen to go back out to those individuals and households where those changes may take place to get feedback," he added.

Proposals have included relocating temporary construction compounds or access roads, as well as moving or tweaking pylon positions.

"And in one location, at Gislingham in Suffolk for instance, we're able to make some adjustments to the overhead line route to be further from the village, and that's in terms of general amenity improvement," Mr Pepper said.

The proposals would be shared with people in regards to 20 locations in Essex, and 10 in Norfolk and Suffolk, towards the end of February.

National Grid is due submit an application to the Planning Inspectorate later this year and, if approved, construction on the power line would start in 2027 and be fully operational by 2031.

The project is part of The Great Grid Upgrade by National Grid, which it described as "the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations".

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