A lawyer representing Suffolk and Essex anti-pylon campaigners has said energy firm National Grid's plans to route pylons across the countryside are 'legally flawed' because they have not taken Government guidelines into account.

Charles Banner KC, who represents Essex Suffolk Norfolk pylons, said the developer had failed to follow rules set out in the Government's so-called 'Green Book' when planning to build the 50-metre high pylons across 110 miles along the Suffolk and Essex border.

READ MORE: National Grid 'arrogance' over Suffolk pylon consultation

The guidelines require developers to carry out impact assessments of their projects, particularly relating to the environment and socio-economic effects.

In June, the EADT reported how the campaigners had accused National Grid of 'arrogance' for pursuing a second public consultation about the East Anglia GREEN project when National Grid's Electricity System Operator (ESO) was set to review the plans.

This review was set to consider offshore routes favoured by the campaigners, which would have meant routing the cables under the sea, rather than over land, but the review is not now due to take place until after the consultation.

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

The power lines will be carrying electricity produced by offshore wind farms.

Rosie Pearson, spokesperson for Essex Suffolk Norfolk pylons, said: "The Green Book rules are mandatory.

"We cannot understand why National Grid tells us it does not have to follow them, nor can we understand why Ofgem tells us they will not enforce the rules.

"They are a vital set of guidelines. They force project promoters to carry out quantitative assessments of the impact on issues that cannot be assigned a monetary value, like the environment, natural capital or socio-economic impacts.

READ MORE: Suffolk and Essex: Concerns about second pylon consultation

"Currently, National Grid is not doing that, yet we know that the environmental and socio-economic impact of the 180km pylon project is simply enormous. It must be quantified.”

She added the Green Book also requires alternatives to be evaluated, such as the offshore route.

A spokesperson for National Grid said: “We are confident that the processes we follow to identify and then assess potential strategic options are robust and the most appropriate.

"This has been tried and tested through numerous previous projects, the formal examination process and ultimately decided by the relevant Secretary of State.”

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