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Campaigners have risen up against plans to pepper 112 miles of landscape with 164ft-high pylons \u2013 branding them unnecessarily damaging to communities and the environment.<\/p>\n
National Grid wants to build a network across East Anglia, from Norwich to Tilbury, Essex, to transport green energy.<\/p>\n
But the protesters, who have gathered a 27,000-signature petition, accused the firm of \u201carrogance and contempt\u201d towards the people it is meant to serve.<\/p>\n
They claim an offshore grid would be less harmful and \u00a32billion cheaper.<\/p>\n
In an open letter to National Grid chief executive John Pettigrew, they say: \u201cWe urge you to halt your company\u2019s damaging Norwich to Tilbury proposals.<\/p>\n
READ MORE <\/strong> MPs call for cleaner energy as UK reliance on gas could cost taxpayers billions<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cIt will destroy habitats and harm species, communities, and residents, indeed all consumers.<\/p>\n \u201cYour project affects people\u2019s mental and physical health, their livelihoods, and their ability to sell their homes.<\/p>\n \u201cDespite your company\u2019s claims, Norwich to Tilbury and the continuation of the unplanned, piecemeal approach to energy transmission is in fact the most damaging proposal possible for communities and the environment.\u201d<\/p>\n An offshore grid \u2013 energy islands with electricity carried via undersea pipes from wind farms \u2013 would avoid the blight of the pylons and cables criss-crossing the land.<\/p>\n National Grid\u2019s current plan would also require several sub-stations covering farmland the size of 11 football pitches. The location of the pylons, to be built by the end of 2030, is due to be revealed later this year.<\/p>\n The protesters\u2019 letter to Mr Pettigrew added: \u201cYou have even said in the press that it is our civic duty to accept pylons.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is absolutely not our civic duty to accept an horrifically damaging project from a company which is only concerned about its shareholders, and which shows an arrogance and contempt towards the communities it is meant to serve.\u201d National Grid said: \u201cThis network reinforcement is part of our Great Grid Upgrade. It is needed urgently so we can connect the new renewable energy being generated in Britain into the grid.<\/p>\n \u201cThis will deliver energy security for East Anglia and homes and businesses all across Britain.<\/p>\n \u201cIt will benefit Britain, providing more affordable, clean electricity generated from our seas and onshore.<\/p>\n \u201cWe have received the letter and understand that plans for new infrastructure can cause concern for nearby residents.<\/p>\n \u201cThat is why we held this additional stage of public consultation and will carefully consider the feedback alongside other environmental and community impacts. That will inform the developing plans presented for further consultation next year.\u201d<\/p>\n We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/128\/590x\/secondary\/4941360.jpg?r=1693767708824\")
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