Bilsby and Farlesthorpe Parish Council have submitted the letter below in response to the Consultation
Re: National Grid
Freepost G-W
07 March 2024
Dear Sirs,
Re: Grimsby To Walpole Proposed Pylon Route & Connector Stations
At its meeting held on Thursday 22nd February 2024, Bilsby & Farlesthorpe Parish Council resolved unanimously to strongly object to the proposed plan by the National Grid to erect enormous Connector Stations and 50m pylons in Lincolnshire. The Parish Council acknowledges the need for increased electricity supply but does not accept that the cables have to pass through the county on pylons, with the necessary Connector Stations to facilitate the supply. The Parish Council supports the cables being routed via the North Sea. The council objects for the following reasons:
1. The Construction of A Huge Connector Station In Our Parish – This will severely damage the local environment. Roads in and around the proposed site are totally unsuitable for heavy construction vehicles and the disruption to residents, increased noise levels, pollution and impact on wildlife will be huge. The parish has already had to put up with many months of disruption due to the Viking Link Project and despite all the promises made, this has had a very negative impact on residents.
2. Future Development of The Connector Station - The Parish Council is also concerned about future developments at the proposed Connector Station near Alford. National Grid have earmarked 144 acres per Connector Station for further extensions to the site in future years that will cause even more impact upon the residents, the land and all the other points listed below.
3. Agricultural Land Impact – Pylons will occupy valuable prime agricultural land, resulting in permanent loss. In addition, the proposed Connector Stations are sited on prime food-producing land. The country cannot afford to lose that amount of food production at a time when it needs to look to sustainability in food production and lessen reliance on imported foods. (which are subject to issues with the producing country and or the effects of war on the producing country – evidenced by issues with Ukraine) It will also cause an unacceptable increase in emissions in transport.
4. Wildlife – The coastal strip is a migratory route for geese. Pylons will disrupt that migration. Wildlife on the margins of and adjacent to land proposed for Connector Stations will inevitably suffer, particularly Connector Station A which is adjacent to this and is established woodland.
5. Flooding – the area suffers from flooding from land which is a natural drain and which is struggling to cope at present. To have such land covered in concrete and buildings which are not permeable will only add to surrounding flooding issues from surface water run-off. In addition, the Climate Change Lobby keep telling us that the coastal area is under great threat of flooding within a few decades, putting the Connector Stations and pylons at great risk.
6. Health/Environmental Impact – The electromagnetic envelope of high voltage overhead cables produces a significant hum, buzz and crack, which has been shown in some studies to harm health.
7. Proximity to Wolds/Coastal – The proposed line runs close to the AONB. The AONB designation is not limited to the physical area within its boundaries but extends to the views from the AONB to the coast and vice versa. This proposal will have an adverse material impact on the aesthetic value of the area, which will then impact on the tourist trade upon which many inland and coastal towns in this part of the country rely. Tourism is the major industry in this area bringing £824.2million of investment.
8. Preservation Of Unindustrial Landscape – The area boasts a rare and precious unindustrialised landscape and such a proposal will be out of character.
9. Financial Loss - The erection of pylons will adversely affect the value of homes and holiday accommodation close to the route. Studies have shown that properties located close to pylons experience a significate decrease in value. As property prices in this area are already low compared to the East Midlands and the national average, this puts those living near the pylons at a serious risk of financial loss, negative equity and considerable disadvantage when wishing to sell their property.
10. Mental Wellbeing – The area between the Wolds and coast has numerous footpaths, bridleways, cycle routes and serves as a haven for residents and visitors alike. The potential for introduction of noise, electromagnetic effects and visual disruption will have a significant negative impact on the mental well-being of the overall community. Added to this the complete collapse of property values, leaving many struggling to pay mortgages on unsaleable properties which will only add to mental health issues in the area.
The Parish Council supports all local objections and urges the National Grid to go with the offshore integrated route which will resolve all the issues raised in this letter.
Yours faithfully
Kerry Culley
Parish Clerk to Bilsby & Farlesthorpe Parish Council
CC. His Majesty The King
Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero - The Rt Hon Claire Coutinho MP
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - The Rt Hon Steve Barclay MP
The Rt Hon Victoria Atkins MP
County Cllr Colin Matthews
District Cllr Graham Marsh
District Cllr Sarah Devereux
If you want to get involved see the links below
National Grid - Grimsby to Walpole A proposal to construct an overhead pylon link and substations close to our villages - see below for details and how to voice your opinion
And for how you can get involved, in collaboration with other Lincolnshire parishes:
Published:Tuesday, 13 February 2024