Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils restate objections to pylon project as application submitted

02/09/25

Both Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils have objected to the “considerable and potentially devasting impacts” of National Grid’s Norwich to Tilbury project, with pylons proposed to cut through communities and countryside, including some of the districts’ most sensitive landscapes.

National Grid submitted its application to the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) on Friday (August 29).

PINS now has 28 days to determine whether or not to accept the application. Should it be accepted, full details of the project will then be published, with the six-month examination period likely to begin in early 2026. If consent was then granted, construction could begin in 2027.

Both councils have previously called for a pause to the scheme so alternatives can be fully considered and consulted upon.

Whilst acknowledging the government’s need to tackle energy security, carbon reduction and energy poverty, both Babergh and Mid Suffolk have significant concerns over the impact of energy development on their districts’ communities, heritage environment and rural economy.

Cllr Sallie Davies, cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure for Babergh District Council, said: “There has to be a wider conversation about how we ensure we have the right energy infrastructure without the industrialisation of the countryside – particularly when such sensitive landscapes such as Constable Country are involved.

"We want to see a coordinated, offshore approach to deliver the transmission network reinforcement objectives of various projects currently underway in this region and elsewhere in the UK. This would then minimise the need for onshore infrastructure.”

Cllr Andrew Stringer, Mid Suffolk’s cabinet member for heritage, planning and infrastructure said: "We continue to stand side-by-side with our communities who are worried about the impact of these plans.

"We understand the need for the additional infrastructure to help with the energy transition, but there is another option which doesn’t involve pylons cutting across our countryside.

"We urge a more strategic offshore approach, minimising and mitigating harm to Suffolk’s communities and environment.”

The councils must now await the PINS decision and receipt of the details of the application in full before they can agree next steps. In the meantime, you can see Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils’ previous response to National Grid’s Norwich to Tilbury consultation here.