CAMPAIGNERS say “crunch time” is approaching for controversial plans to build a 180km power line across East Anglia.
National Grid is spearheading proposals to bring more than 18 miles of overhead and underground cables to the north Essex countryside.
The company is aiming to boost the electricity network between the Twinstead and Bramford substation, near Ipswich.
The move is part of a wider scheme to reach net zero by 2050 and build 40gw of offshore wind by 2030.
But councils in Essex and campaign groups are protesting the plans and calling for alternative options to be explored.
Campaigners against the plans are calling on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to ensure a grid is built in the North Sea corridor as an alternative.
Groups say Mr Sunak needs to “honour his leadership campaign pledges” to reduce onshore infrastructure and instead look to offshore alternatives.
Rosie Pearson, founder of Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons action group, said: “It is crunch time.
“Government is reviewing infrastructure projects right now.
“The solution we want is a no brainer for government. It will be a vote winner locally and with hard-pushed consumers.
“It is better for the environment and, we believe, will help government to reach net zero faster.
“Mr Sunak needs to ensure that East Anglians are treated fairly.
“It’s very galling to see billions of pounds being spent in the north of England on offshore solutions and millions of pounds being spent removing unsightly pylons elsewhere.”
National Grid says it has a responsibility to connect offshore wind power to the onshore electricity system.
A spokesman said: “It is National Grid’s responsibility to connect this new generation to the onshore electricity system to ensure this clean, green energy can be used by the homes and businesses that require it.
"We are governed by licence and regulatory obligations, and government planning policy – such as the National Policy Statements (NPS), which all set the framework for how we deliver our infrastructure in the UK.
"The NPS states that the Government expects that overhead power lines will often be appropriate.”
National Grid said there will be another chance to comment on the proposals before a planning application is submitted in late 2024.
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