The controversial Norwich to Tilbury pylon project is set to receive a formal objection from the county council.

The National Grid project would see 159km worth of overhead cables strung between 50-metre-high pylons spanning from Norwich to Tilbury — the remaining cabling would be run underground, making the whole project 184km long.

This would mean the proposed route would cut through large swathes of Suffolk's countryside, including Bressingham, Diss, and Gislingham, leading to widespread criticism among residents.

The project is currently in a statutory consultation phase, due to end on June 18, ahead of an official application being submitted to the planning inspectorate next year, with a decision expected in 2026.

As a statutory consultee, Suffolk County Council is due to approve a formal objection during next week's cabinet meeting.

Although the papers due to be presented acknowledge the need for infrastructure to connect low-carbon energy developments, as part of the Government's energy security targets, they outline the need for other options to be considered.

Cllr Richard Rout, who is due to move the objection, said some of the alterations made to date, including more underground cabling and different locations, don't go far enough, with significant issues still remaining, leaving the council no choice but to object.

He added: "Our message to National Grid and Ofgem is that the current proposals must be put on hold so that the alternative solutions, which do not involve pylons, can be properly explored.

"We support the government's desire for energy security for the UK but this must be achieved appropriately and fairly where our communities, and the local environment, will feel the impact from energy projects."

If approved, the council's formal response would be to object to the plans and call for a pause while other options were considered — these would include an offshore solution or underground high-voltage cables.

A report released by the Electricity System Operator (ESO) in March concluded both options would be more expensive.

The council's report also pointed out several issues including the need for more underground cables in multiple places along the route, a lack of information on the cumulative effects of the project and other solar initiatives, and the potential implication to six airfields in the area.

The council's proposals will be discussed next Tuesday, May 21.

A webinar which is part of the scheme's consultation process, focussing on Mid Suffolk, will take place on Wednesday, 29 May at 6-7pm. You can register here: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/3aac831c-aef8-40ad-b8f2-674d0b9ba035@46d4e256-b3be-4371-9b3c-480cbc8d7489

You can take part in the online consultation via this link: https://engage360.tractivity.co.uk/2faa1b21-c5f8-460b-9e17-f5b3f50394b2/survey?q=2022%7cBdMv59suLMDYVRfH%2bmT2UzSdgvueiNE16D0EbemokWLRWriNVFEVdLumaCuOyvsWOxURn4nL0xy5VAEksA%2bBrw%3d%3d