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New Pylons: East Anglia

19 July 2022

Lead MP

Bernard Jenkin
Harwich and North Essex
Con

Responding Minister

Greg Hands

Tags

ClimateEnergy
Word Count: 13595
Other Contributors: 10

At a Glance

Bernard Jenkin raised concerns about new pylons: east anglia in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key Requests to Government:

I urge the Minister to consider rerunning the consultation so all Members of Parliament and their constituents can have a fair say in this matter. Furthermore, I ask for more information on health impacts from these pylons as expressed by my constituents who are worried about potential adverse effects. The MP calls on National Grid to publish a fully costed offshore alternative to East Anglia GREEN and urges the Minister to accelerate the new regime allowing for more comprehensive strategic planning. He requests that non-monetised costs such as property value depreciation be reflected in the proposals, highlighting the need for a balanced approach between renewable energy development and local community welfare.

How the Debate Unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:

Lead Contributor

Harwich and North Essex
Opened the debate
I am concerned about the lack of proper consultation regarding National Grid's plan for new pylons in East Anglia. My constituents were not notified, despite the project running close to my constituency of Rayleigh and Wickford. The absence of detailed figures and analysis provided by National Grid suggests that the consultation process was inadequate. The MP is concerned about the environmental and societal impacts of new pylons in East Anglia, particularly the destruction of valuable agricultural land, disruption to local communities, and negative psychological impact on residents. He notes that his constituents have expressed a strong preference for an offshore transmission system over overhead cables, which would avoid blighting farmland and homes.

Government Response

Greg Hands
Government Response
Acknowledged the debate's importance and National Grid's engagement with MPs. Stressed the need for more electricity network infrastructure to connect cheap, green energy produced by offshore wind farms in East Anglia. Addressed concerns about the proposed new projects, such as East Anglia GREEN, being nationally significant infrastructure projects subject to quasi-judicial processes under the Planning Act 2008. Emphasized ongoing efforts like the Holistic Network Design and Offshore Transmission Network Review to improve coordination and address environmental impacts.
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy

About Westminster Hall Debates

Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.