Campaigners petition against pylon plans and accuse National Grid of ‘arrogance'

Campaigners have risen up against plans to pepper 112 miles of landscape with 164ft-high pylons – branding them unnecessarily damaging to communities and the environment.

National Grid wants to build a network across East Anglia, from Norwich to Tilbury, Essex, to transport green energy.

But the protesters, who have gathered a 27,000-signature petition, accused the firm of “arrogance and contempt” towards the people it is meant to serve.

They claim an offshore grid would be less harmful and £2billion cheaper.

In an open letter to National Grid chief executive John Pettigrew, they say: “We urge you to halt your company’s damaging Norwich to Tilbury proposals.

“It will destroy habitats and harm species, communities, and residents, indeed all consumers.

“Your project affects people’s mental and physical health, their livelihoods, and their ability to sell their homes.

“Despite your company’s claims, Norwich to Tilbury and the continuation of the unplanned, piecemeal approach to energy transmission is in fact the most damaging proposal possible for communities and the environment.”

An offshore grid – energy islands with electricity carried via undersea pipes from wind farms – would avoid the blight of the pylons and cables criss-crossing the land.

National Grid’s current plan would also require several sub-stations covering farmland the size of 11 football pitches. The location of the pylons, to be built by the end of 2030, is due to be revealed later this year.

The protesters’ letter to Mr Pettigrew added: “You have even said in the press that it is our civic duty to accept pylons.

“It is absolutely not our civic duty to accept an horrifically damaging project from a company which is only concerned about its shareholders, and which shows an arrogance and contempt towards the communities it is meant to serve.” National Grid said: “This network reinforcement is part of our Great Grid Upgrade. It is needed urgently so we can connect the new renewable energy being generated in Britain into the grid.

“This will deliver energy security for East Anglia and homes and businesses all across Britain.

“It will benefit Britain, providing more affordable, clean electricity generated from our seas and onshore.

“We have received the letter and understand that plans for new infrastructure can cause concern for nearby residents.

“That is why we held this additional stage of public consultation and will carefully consider the feedback alongside other environmental and community impacts. That will inform the developing plans presented for further consultation next year.”