WITHAM MP Priti Patel has raised concerns over a consultation on plans to construct 100 miles of pylons and overhead powerlines across East Anglia.

The National Grid consultation is running from April 10 to June 18.

It spells out the National Grid’s final plans for the route before it submits a planning application to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. 

The plans are being pushed forward despite widespread opposition from the public.

Last month, the Electricity System Operator published a study showing the possible viability of other methods to channel electricity from new wind farms to the grid. 

Dame Priti has spoken out against the plans and called for alternative options to connect electricity generated from offshore wind farms to the grid.

She said: “These plans to cover our countryside in pylons are wrong. It is deeply frustrating that the National Grid are continuing to press ahead and the opposition within local communities and campaigners remains strong. 

“In recent years there have been missed opportunities for a more holistic and strategic approach to be taken and now National Grid are under commercial pressures to reinforce the network to connect the significant new levels of electricity being generated off of East Anglia into the grid. 

“I have raised my concerns with the Secretary of State over this whole process and I urge everyone concerned to respond to the consultation and voice their opposition.” 

The proposals include an alternative design at Waveney Valley, Suffolk, substituting about 2km of pylons with underground cabling.

A 112-mile-long power line is proposed, running from Norwich to Tilbury.

The plans include a section of underground cabling to run through the Dedham Vale area of outstanding natural beauty.

The proposed route runs through parts of Witham between the east of Coggeshall, through Rivenhall and towards Fairstead.

There will be a number of public information events taking place across the region during the consultation period.

This includes an event at Witham Public Hall, in Collingwood Road, from 11am to 4pm on Tuesday, May 14.