Today’s publication by National Grid of the proposals on which they will embark upon a statutory consultation are an improvement on the original proposals, but do not satisfy the demands of my constituents. On the positive side, we will now have the 35 meter high T-Pylons rather than the proposed fifty meter high standard pylons and more towers will be removed than will be erected. Existing lines in Nailsea will be removed to the great benefit of local residents and one line will be removed on Tickenham Ridge. Moving the line of pylons away from houses and schools in West Nailsea is another positive development. I am also pleased that the original route to take the transmission line away from Portbury has been reinstated.
However, despite the adoption of the T-Pylons (which have never been used anywhere in Britain) the overhead technology remains rooted in the past and other, new, technologies such as GIL (Gas Insulated Lines) have not been fully considered. The impact on the environment is still greater than widespread undergrounding would achieve but significantly better than the original horror of the 50 meter towers. In particular, the issue of Tickenham Ridge has not been properly resolved.
Given that the new pylons will not arrive in N Somerset until the end of 2017 at the earliest, there is still time to improve on these proposals.
To give feedback to the National Grid on their proposals, visit www.hinkleyconnection.co.uk.