PLANS for hundreds of pylons through Essex would “irreversibly destroy the unique and irreplaceable historic environment”, a critical council report has said. Chelmsford City Council is among several councils voicing opposition to National Grid’s project for a new 400kV electricity transmission line built between Norwich and Tilbury reports the Locall Democracy Reporter.
The council is particularly concerned about the impact the pylons would have as the route cuts through the Great Waltham and Little Waltham Conservation Areas and their close proximity to the historic park and garden belonging to the Grade I Langley’s House.
The concerns come amid plans from Essex County Council to make cash available so it can employ level advice for its own challenges against the plans.
A statement from Chelmsford City Council as part of its response to National Grid’s plan said: “The project would irreversibly destroy the unique and irreplaceable historic environment within Great Waltham and Little Waltham. Whilst some of the harm identified is at a low level, cumulatively, there would be an extensive impact.
“The proposed mitigation does not adequately limit the harm to the historic environment, the sensitive landscape, ecology and residents that reside within it. Chelmsford City Council object to the project due to lack of sufficient mitigation and appropriate compensation.”
Around the Walthams, instead of the normal 50-metre pylons proposed elsewhere, smaller 40-metre high ones are planned; however, the council has stated that many of the pylons’ effects cannot be mitigated.
It added that the lower-height pylons would reduce the extent of visibility from Langley’s house and its immediate gardens. However, the wider and heavier frame of the 40 lower-height pylons would have a greater visual impact in the southern part of the Great Waltham Conservation Area.
It says full height pylons and the omission of one pylon could potentially reduce the level of harm, and it wants that matter to be explored further for extra assessment.
The statement added: “Cumulatively, the greater harm to the other heritage assets and the landscape means that the proposed mitigation strategy is inadequate.”
The plans have also been criticised by Essex County Council, which is set to drawdown an additional £120,000 from its reserves to employ law advice during the public examination, expected this year, which will allow authorities to formally scrutinise the plans
Its concerns include the impact on the Dunton Hills Garden Village, a development in Brentwood of 4,000 new homes and where National Grid’s proposed route runs close to.
It adds that there is an unrealistic delivery deadline, offshore alternatives have not been fully explored, there is a lack of social value and compensation plans, and the plans do not address the additional road capacity needed to transport materials.
Councillor Lee Scott, Cabinet Member for Housing, Planning and Regeneration, said: “It is only right that we continue to challenge National Grid’s approach. Many communities across Essex and the East of England will be affected. Their best interests must be at the heart of any decisions.
“While we continue to scrutinise the plans, it’s clear many of our concerns remain unresolved. We fully support alternative energy, but these plans fail to properly explore all options and their impact.”
Should the plans, which were submitted in August last year, be granted by the government following public Development Consent Order examination, it is understood that construction of the project would commence in 2027 and continue for four years through to 2031.
National Grid says Norwich to Tilbury is a key part of the Great Grid Upgrade. Meeting clean energy targets means it “urgently” needs to expand capability to carry clean power from where it’s generated, often offshore, to where it’s needed.
