Witham MP Priti Patel has used the King’s Speech debate to highlight ongoing local concerns about the National Grid’s plans to impose over 100 miles of pylons and overhead power lines across the East of England, including around 50 more pylons in the Witham constituency. Speaking in the House of Commons, Priti also highlighted concerns that planning reforms proposed by the Government would make it easier to impose pylons on local communities against their wishes and commented on how these plans would damage the environment, farmland and local amenities, including White Notley Football Club. Priti said:
“I stood at the General Election giving a firm commitment to continue to oppose these plans for pylons and work on alternatives and was pleased to raise this issue on the first day back in the House of Commons. The new Government has put forward worrying proposals to reform the planning system to take power away from local people, which will make it easier for the National Grid to impose their plans for pylons. I have already pressed the Government to review their approach and will continue to speak up on behalf of my constituents and raise local concerns and objections.”
Residents in parts of the Witham constituency have also been receiving letters from Priti about the National Grid’s plans for pylons and their consultation on the proposals put forward, including the planned route and location of pylons. Arrangements to deliver these letters were made prior to the General Election but due to Parliamentary and election rules, delivery needed to be postponed during the General Election campaign when Parliament was dissolved. The letters refer to the previous consultation deadline to respond by 18 June 2024. but the consultation deadline has since been extended to Friday 26 July 2024. Priti is encouraging all residents with concerns to reply to the consultation and would welcome being sent copies of the comments submitted as well.
