National Grid’s East Anglia Green power plan from Norfolk to Essex via Suffolk, branded ‘disastrous’ by farmers

Controversial plans for a new fleet of overhead electricity pylons across East Anglia have been branded as disastrous by two farmers.

The pair, who farm in north Essex, close to Dedham Vale, claim the scheme will destroy decades of countryside management, decimate wildlife and could lead to job losses.

National Grid’s East Anglia Green plan proposes reinforcement work from Dunston in Norfolk to Tilbury in Essex, via the Suffolk countryside, including a 112-mile line of pylons.

It says the scheme is needed to transport increasing energy being generated by wind turbines off the Norfolk coast, to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

But Robert Strathern and his wife, Laura, who farm over 1,500 acres of land across Fordham and Wormingford – including 1,000 acres set aside to grow potatoes for their internationally successful Fairfield Crisps brand – have added their voice to concern from campaigners, council leaders and MPs.

Mr Strathern said: “All our land within the proposed pylons route is part of a countryside stewardship scheme, which encourages wildlife and biodiversity to flourish. The pylons cut straight through these areas and will likely destroy these habitats, including all wildlife within them.

“Each year, land affected by the pylon plans yields over 2,000 tonnes of potatoes and will leave the packing facility and crisp factory, which employs 50 staff, at risk of supply shortages.

“Whether the route is over ground or underground, the damage to the supply of crop for onions, potatoes, maize, rye and wheat is also immense. The damage to the soil structure will massively impact on the yield potential of any crops grown, impacting the viability of this land for future generations.

“With evidence that the offshore route for pylons is more cost-effective and far less disruptive, it seems ludicrous that National Grid is considering this pylon option at all.”

Stephen March and his wife Jane have farmed land in West Bergholt and Litle Horkesley for more than 30 years.

Mr March said: “Some of our land is in a government-sponsored stewardship scheme to preserve nature and wildlife. We now have established breeding populations of birds of prey, including kites, owls and kestrels. Deer, badgers and foxes can often be seen.

“The project is planned to go right through the middle of our farm. The underground section of 650 metres will cover an area of over 10 acres during construction. All trees and hedges in its path will be destroyed and replanting won’t be allowed over these cables.

“In addition to this planned underground section, a 55-metre pylon is planned would be sited on our prime grassland, which will make harvesting grass around it extremely difficult.

“If this project goes ahead, it will severely compromise this beautiful Fordham valley area, and all that we have achieved for nature improvement and wildlife over three decades will have been wasted. We will never again see our farm looking as it does again.”

National Grid’s second non-statutory consultation closed on August 21. It is expected that a statutory consultation will take place in 2024.