National Grid’s plans to install new overhead cabling on pylons through Lincolnshire between Grimsby and Wisbech in Cambridgeshire have shocked Lincolnshire councillors, who have pledged to oppose the plans.
They say the ‘Great Grid Upgrade’ won’t be great for Lincolnshire’s visitor economy as the proposed pylons, substations and overhead cables would ‘carve up the landscape’, and point out that they have no power to grant or refuse permission because the plans are deemed a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project.
Cllr Colin Davie, executive councillor for economic development, environment and planning, said: “Alongside our seaside resort towns, a huge part of our coastal charm is the miles of unspoilt nature and beaches that make up the east of Lincolnshire. There are a string of nature reserves along the east coast, not to mention the Lincolnshire Wolds, the beauty of which would be severely impacted by these unsightly pylons.
“I understand the need for infrastructure to connect new sources of renewable energy to the grid. However, elsewhere in the country, National Grid’s plans involve burying these cables under the ground or under the sea; why can’t that be done in Lincolnshire too?
“And this isn’t power being brought in to supply Lincolnshire’s needs, necessarily. This wall of wires and pylons is ostensibly to take power down to London and the south east.
“We refuse to let Lincolnshire be seen as a place to dump unwanted infrastructure projects. But as these pylon plans are classed as a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project, permission won’t be determined locally.
“The council, as a statutory consultee, will be sure to make our views on the proposals clear to the relevant Secretary of State who will make the final decision to grant consent or not.”
