MP calls for National Grid Norwich to Tilbury pylon consultation pause

A Conservative MP said a consultation into an energy grid expansion project in East Anglia should be paused.

National Grid wants to build pylons and lay cables as part of the Norwich to Tilbury project.

James Cartlidge MP, who represents South Suffolk, wanted alternatives to be considered.

In March, a report from the Electricity System Operator (ESO) put forward several options for grid reinforcement.

Mr Cartlidge said: "The reason I want National Grid to pause is to allow my constituents the time to look at these options and weigh them all up and have a proper choice, which they feel they haven't had to date."

He said he felt options such as more underground or offshore cabling should be part of the consultation.

The third and final public consultation will collect feedback before plans are submitted to the Planning Inspectorate next year.

Mr Cartlidge told the BBC he thought more time should be taken over deciding which method should be used to transport power from East Anglia, otherwise there could be a risk of legal challenge in the future.

He said: "There's a very strong likelihood there would be with such strong opposition to pylons, it could get bogged down.

"I think there would be far more support from people for either underground or offshore options."

National Grid is finalising the route to carry electricity from off-shore windfarms across the country.

In the most recent plans, the company has agreed to bury more of the cabling underground but insisted pylons still made economic sense.

A spokesperson for National Grid said: "Building a new line onshore between the existing substations at Norwich Main in Norfolk, Bramford in Suffolk and Tilbury in Essex represents the most efficient, coordinated and economical way to connect the renewable energy that is proposed and increase the capability of the network to carry more power from offshore wind.

"The government has been very clear on targets for connecting large amounts of offshore wind by 2030.

"Pausing would mean not only missing this target, but also delaying homes and business in East Anglia and beyond having access to greener and cheaper electricity in the long term."

Clive Lewis, Labour MP for Norwich South, said National Grid should look at alternatives to pylons.

"I think they can afford to invest a little bit more to go for the costly option and put it (energy cables) offshore," he said.

National Grid is holding 14 public information events along with webinars and poster displays over the next 10 weeks.

It then plans to submit a planning application next year with government expected to make a final decision in 2026 with construction work starting in 2027.

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