The govtʼs plan to build 50-metre-high pylons across east England has triggered wide-spread anger among local people. The mega-project (which will connect Norwich to Tilbury) faces strong opposition from residents who dont want these metal giants near their homes
A cross-party group of MPs points out that other UK regions got better deals with under-ground cables or off-shore solutions; meanwhile east England must deal with above-ground infrastructure. Sir Bernard Jenkin from Harwich and North Essex says: “Our countryside isnt worth the investment“ — showing how locals feel left-out
The projectʼs timeline is already off-track: its original cost of £793m keeps growing and the finish date moved from 2030 to 2031. Every year of delay adds £4bn to tax-payers money‚ according to National Energy System Operator data
Marie Goldman‚ Lib Dem MP‚ criticizes weak compensation plans for affected areas. She mentioned that having a community hall somewhere far away doesnt help people with pylons in their yards. The scheme is part of Energy Secretary Ed Milibandʼs clean power strategy; however local leaders from Essex‚ Lincolnshire Norfolk and Suffolk are thinking about legal action
The idea of having a community hall five miles down the road does not mitigate having massive pylons going past someoneʼs back garden
Local people say these structures will harm:
- Natural landscapes
- Tourism business
- Local communities
- Property values
The Energy Department keeps pushing forward with its clean-power goals despite growing resistance from affected regions