Pylons plan moves into next stage of reviews

Almost 40,000 people have signed a petition calling for an offshore grid or to run the cables underground

Plans for a 114-mile (183km) network of pylons have moved into a new phase of reviews, led by the Planning Inspectorate.

National Grid wants to build the electricity network through Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex, running from Norwich to Tilbury.

The Planning Inspectorate accepted its application on Friday, meaning the authority would begin preparing for a full examination of the scheme.

Project director Simon Pepper said it marked a "significant step forward", but campaigners insisted they were "very angry" about the plans progressing.

Substations in Norwich, Bramford in Suffolk and Tilbury, Essex, are to power the pylons, which will carry electricity powered by offshore wind farms.

National Grid said they could power up to six million homes and businesses.

About 21km (13 miles) of the route will run underground, some through the Dedham Vale National Landscape.

National Grid has been sent about 20,000 pieces of community feedback since it first started consulting on the project in 2022.

With the application accepted by the Planning Inspectorate, the project moves into the pre-examination stage.

This phase will last several months, fixing hearings and contacting interested persons for a subsequent full examination, which could take six months.

Once that is complete, the plan will be assessed by an independent inspector and then passed to the secretary of state, who has the final say.

"This project will play a vital role in connecting more renewable energy to the grid," Mr Pepper said.

The director added it would help deliver "more affordable electricity" to homes and businesses and meet rising demand.

Almost 40,000 people have signed a petition calling for an offshore grid or to run the cables underground.

"An integrated offshore grid is better for consumers, communities, countryside, coastlines and marine life," campaign group Pylons East Anglia said.