Power line consultation leaves farmers in dark

Farm leaders have criticised National Grid for ignoring farmers’ views during consultation on a controversial new electricity power line in Suffolk.

Alex Dinsdale, NFU East Anglia countryside adviser, said National Grid had shown a ‘dismissive attitude’ towards farmers and landowners during its consultation.

The comapny had rejected an invitation to a meeting with NFU members, he claimed.

National Grid is consulting on four proposed route options for a new power line, between Bramford and Twinstead.

It had pledged to “attend meetings of relevant existing public stakeholder groups affected by our proposals” in its consultation strategy.

Mr Dinsdale said: “We’re disappointed and believe its decision is contrary to the spirit of consultation intended by the 2008 Planning Act.

“Failing to meet one of the most important stakeholder groups for a project of this nature suggests less than a whole-hearted commitment to genuine engagement with those most affected.

“It is surprising that National Grid doesn’t appear to want to work constructively with the very farmers who manage the land where these cables will go.”

The NFU set out its concerns in its written response to National Grid’s consultation.

It also expressed its dissatisfaction with the way in which undergrounding – as opposed to installing overhead cables – had been considered.

Mr Dinsdale said: “The NFU does not believe that sufficient information on this option has been provided, or that it has been explored to a satisfactory level by National Grid.”

The NFU has not commented on the proposed route options themselves in its consultation response, he added.