Kemi Badenoch, MP for North West Essex, met with local residents alongside Cllr Mike Steel in Great Waltham to discuss the impact of National Grid’s plans to build pylons across East Anglia.
They discussed the visual, environmental, and financial implications of the project, particularly on local communities and those who have farmed the land for generations.
Residents and landowners in North West Essex and across East Anglia have expressed frustration at National Grid’s handling of the process, which many feel has failed to adequately explore or present viable alternatives, such as underground cables. This is despite Conservative MPs securing an independent review of the options that found undergrounding to be cost comparable.
Commenting Mrs. Badenoch said:
“National Grid’s pylon proposals are causing increasing concern to local communities across North West Essex.
“I have held a number of public meetings and visits to discuss these concerns in depth with residents, most recently in Great Waltham speaking to Alexander and Charlie Micklem about the devastating impact the proposals will have on their farmland.
“This Labour Government is refusing to explore alternative options like under-grounding, despite the study by the NESO that showed evidence it could be cost comparable. I will continue to present our communities on this issues.”
Commenting Councillor Mike Steel said:
“I’d like to thank Kemi for her continued engagement on this issue and for supporting residents and representing their concerns.
“I continue to oppose the proposition of pylons spoiling our countryside, along with Essex County Council and have been working with Kemi on pushing for alternative options, including underground.”
