THE MP for South Basildon and East Thurrock rose on the House of Commons to ask a question regarding the impact of pylons.
James McMurdock asked: “To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of pylon infrastructure along the Norwich-Tilbury coastline on (a) protected coastline habitats, (b) birdlife and (c) other species of special conservation interest.
Parliamentary under secretary for the environment, Mary Creagh replied: “Due to the role of ministers in the planning system, we are unable to comment on individual planning applications.
Any project must comply with all relevant regulations, including the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017 which protect designated habitats and species. Depending on a project’s size, location in a sensitive area, or potential impact the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations may also apply.
“Decision makers will also consider whether to grant consent of individual planning applications in line with relevant planning policies. Such policies are themselves subject to a strategic environmental assessment which includes consideration of biodiversity at a broader level”.
