Pylon campaigners fighting plans to build the 50-metre-high structures across the Suffolk and Essex countryside are concerned that a second public consultation into the proposals has not been cancelled.

Representatives of Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons are calling for electricity firm National Grid to delay the second consultation until the results of a review are known.

Earlier this month, the EADT reported that National Grid's Electricity System Operator (ESO) would be reviewing the plans to build 110 miles of pylons, which would include considering 'offshore routes' as an alternative to rural areas.

The ESO, which is running the review, is a legally separate part of National Grid and is becoming an independent public body.

The concession of a review represented a U-turn by the Government under pressure from MPs representing constituencies lining the route and the campaigners, who have slammed the structures as 'monstrosities' that would make the countryside unrecognisable.

READ MORE: Suffolk and Essex pylons: Review will hear residents' views

While welcoming the review, Rosie Pearson, head of Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons, said if National Grid's second consultation went ahead, the ESO's review would not look independent and it would appear that the pylons decision had already been made.

She said: “It’s a double-edged sword at this point. Whilst we obviously welcome the change of heart, we are far from happy that National Grid has not yet postponed its planned second consultation process.

"It is crazy that the company plans to go ahead with the second consultation about pylons when its own division is running the review process."

READ MORE: Suffolk: Wind power 'reset' needed to protect villages

The pylons are set to support power lines carrying electricity from wind farms off the East Anglia coast and would line a route running through Suffolk and into Essex past Dedham, Langham and crossing the A12 to connect into the East Anglian Connection substation in Tendring.

The campaigners would like the cables to be routed along the sea bed instead.

READ MORE: Suffolk: Pylon communities will be 'taken into account'

However, a National Grid Electricity Transmission spokesperson said: “We are aware of the Electricity System Operator’s review and will carefully consider its findings against our proposals.

"Whilst we await its outcome we are continuing to develop our current proposals in East Anglia.”