A NEW overhead electricity pylon line is set to be created in South Suffolk, it has emerged.

A NEW overhead electricity pylon line is set to be created in South Suffolk, it has emerged.

National Grid is set to make a planning application to the Government's new Infrastructure Planning Commission for the new line between Bramford and Twinstead, near Sudbury, in 2011.

But Suffolk County and Babergh District councils have voiced concerns about the plan, which National Grid claims will be necessary in the event of new nuclear power stations being approved at Sizewell.

County councillor Paul West, portfolio holder for the greenest county said: “The county council is extremely concerned about the severe environmental impact that the construction of a new 400kV overhead pylon line would have across South Suffolk.

“The county council fully intends to challenge National Grid to justify why they consider it is essential to construct a new line.

“All options to reinforce the public electricity supply must be fully explored and evaluated before a new overhead line can be considered.”

Babergh councillor John Hinton, vice chairman of the strategy committee added: “If National Grid decides to push ahead with a new line a significant amount of work will need to be done by them over the next 18 months to two years to assess the environmental impact of all possible options.

“Given the potential impact that this issue is likely to have on the Babergh countryside it is crucially important that National Grid listens to the views of local people and their elected representatives throughout the whole process.”

National Grid is inviting councillors to a briefing on September 21 to set out plans for the line. This meeting marks the start of the public consultation on the proposal.

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