South Holland and the Deepings' MP, Sir John Hayes, has formally objected to National Grid’s plans to build pylons through the Fens, as part of their 87 mile ‘Grimsby to Walpole’ scheme.
Writing to National Grid, following multiple meetings and discussions with the company and Government Ministers, Sir John highlighted that the pylons would risk food security and blight the natural Fenland landscape.
Additionally, Sir John is hoping soon to welcome the Energy Minister Andrew Bowie to South Holland to show him the impact of the proposed scheme.
On food security, in his letter, Sir John said:
“Given that the area of Lincolnshire I represent grows much of the food that is consumed across our country - its high-quality farmland is often grade 1, 2, and 3a land - the land is vital to our food security. Indeed, the county is responsible for 12% of the nation’s total food production - producing 30% of Britain’s vegetables and 18% of its poultry. It is hard to see how such industrial development on the scale of National Grid’s plans cannot jeopardise this farmland…. the creeping industrialisation of the countryside in South Holland, with National Grid also planning a substation near Surfleet Marsh, in addition to numerous planned large solar panels installations, represents a clear risk to the use of this highly productive farmland, with prime agricultural land removed from food production at a time when world events have reminded us of the vital importance of food security.”
Sir John’s response also highlighted how:
“The planned 50-metre-high pylons would be highly intrusive and inappropriate for the flat Fenland landscape, changing the character and nature of the surrounding environment. The particularity of this unique landscape is such that natural views in unspoilt countryside, enjoyed for generations, will be ruined in perpetuity. A desire to meet top-down centrally driven targets is no excuse for the destruction of natural beauty.”
Sir John called on National Grid to look again at burying the cables underground and at sea:
“I note that National Grid has previously removed overhead electricity line and approximately 18 pylons in the Cotswolds National Landscape, replacing them with cables buried underground to significantly enhance the landscape. Given this, I request that National Grid look at laying underground the section between Donington and Sutterton Dowdyke in the north, to Tdyd Gote in the south.
I support the County Council’s preference for a coordinated, offshore centred approach, and would be keen to see the greater exploration of subsea options.”
Sir John’s response also highlighted the environmental impact to wildlife, particularly birds, and highlighted that
“The Government has been clear about the need to protect landscapes, including the Fens, saying that “Special consideration will have to be given to preserving the landscapes of, for example, the Somerset levels, Romney Marsh and the magnificent fens of Cambridgeshire, Lincolnshire and Norfolk.”
In addition, Sir John’s Parliamentary petition is still ‘live’ – please contact [email protected] if you would like to add your name.
For further information please contact Helen Davies on 01775 711534
