Norfolk pylons opposition prompts independent review

Norfolk MPs, who have opposed National Grid's East Anglia Green plans for the pylons to carry electricity from offshore wind farms, welcomed the announcement of a review into the project.

The MPs - and others from Suffolk and Essex who joined forces as the Offshore Electricity-Grid Taskforce, have campaigned for the line, from just south of Norwich to the Thames Estuary, to be buried under the sea.

National Grid proposes 110 miles of pylons. Pic: Press Association

They said it should run around the region’s coastline to reach its destination, as part of an 'integrated offshore grid'.

National Grid previously said offshore options had been considered, but would have been costlier to energy bill-payers and have less capacity than an overhead route.

But the Electricity System Operator (ESO) has said there will be an independent review, to consider offshore routes.

The review, expected to be published in the summer, will identify alternative options, assess the benefits and costs of each option and benchmark costs of each proposal against other British projects.

READ MORE: Pylon opponents create map showing treasured viewpoints

South Norfolk MP Richard Bacon said: "This is a welcome step in the right direction. It is as a direct result of the determination of everyone who has continued to indicate their strong opposition to the proposed pylons.

"I am delighted that ESO will undertake this review which will look at all the options including the consideration of offshore routes.  I strongly encourage my constituents to fully engage with this review."

Richard Bacon MP. Pic: UK Parliament (Image: Archant)

Broadland MP Jerome Mayhew said: "Big infrastructure decisions that impact communities in Broadland should be based on the best evidence. I hope that this review will help provide it."

North West Norfolk MP James Wild and North Norfolk MP Duncan Baker also welcomed the review.