An open letter signed by 2,000 pylon campaigners has been sent to the boss of electricity company National Grid calling for an urgent rethink of plans to route pylons across 110 miles of Suffolk and Essex countryside.

Action group Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons has written to the firm's chief executive John Pettigrew calling for a halt to plans for 'harmful East Anglia pylons and undergrounding proposals'.

Instead, the campaigners would prefer an offshore grid to be created to carry electricity produced by wind farms off the East Anglia coast to where it was needed in London and the south east.

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Under existing plans, the 50 metre high pylons will carry cabling from the wind farms across Suffolk and Essex, passed Dedham and Langham.

But the campaigners have described the structures as 'monstrosities' and spoken of their concerns about damage to the rural landscape.

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Rosie Pearson, founder of Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons, said: "National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) has presented the project without alternatives.

"The offshore option is supported by residents, MPs and councils.

"NGET is ignoring this option which is £2bn cheaper and requires 50% less infrastructure. It would also be quicker to complete.

“The current pylons proposals do not demonstrate a contribution to society or take any responsibility for the huge impact on East Anglian communities.

"Your company is ignoring feedback and is bullying through the worst possible proposal.”

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However, a spokesperson for National Grid said an offshore option had been assessed, but would only be able to carry a third of the electricity of an onshore cable and would be more expensive for consumers.

She added National Grid was required to develop proposals which complied with Government planning policy and environmental legislation, but were efficient, economical and represented 'value for money'.

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“We understand that plans for new infrastructure can cause concern in nearby communities.

"We are currently in the process of reviewing all the feedback from our recent public consultation and all comments will be carefully considered as we develop our project further.

"We expect to hold the next round of public consultation in 2024, this will provide a further opportunity to comment on our updated proposals before we submit an application for development consent," she said.