A “PYLON BLIGHT” campaigner has called on the Energy and Business Secretary to scrap the "archaic"Government policy on overhead pylon development across the country.

Rosie Pearson, who is founder of Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons, is campaigning against National Grid’s plans to build a 180 km of pylons and power lines from Norwich to Tilbury.

In a letter to MP Kwasi Kwarteng, Ms Pearson called for a strategic offshore to replace the current proposal which she thinks is “the worst option for consumers and for the environment".

More than 9,000 people have also signed a petition against the plans.

Ms Pearson said: “We are asking the minister, Kwasi Kwarteng, at this time of cost-of-living crisis to ensure that the Government does the right thing and protects consumers.

“That means implementing an integrated offshore grid, not the piecemeal projects currently being delivered.

“That way our countryside will be protected and consumers will benefit from the £6 billion identified by National Grid, instead of private companies and their shareholders.”

Ms Pearson told the Energy Secretary “consumers need all the help they can get right now and our heritage and landscapes must be preserved".

Six MPs, including Harwich and North Essex MP Sir Bernard Jenkin, have also written to Energy Minister Greg Hands to support an offshore grid.

They said: “The consultation is restricted to expressing views on a narrow ‘swathe’ of overland routing – through precious open countryside – offering no real policy choice to our constituents.”

According to Ms Pearson, the issue is “an absolute no brainer” and National Grid needs to “get back to square one and do a proper consultation” into the offshore option.

A spokesman for National Grid has previously said: “We are governed by a number of licence and regulatory obligations and we’ve been carrying out assessments and studies to find the most appropriate way to achieve this in East Anglia, and in other parts of the country.

“We feel these proposals best meet our obligations.

“We’re holding this consultation so people can tell us about the impacts they believe this project will have on them, and where they live."

The consultation will be open until June 16. Visit ngrid.com/382QjOA.

The petition can be found at bit.ly/39PUFch.