Campaigners opposed to plans to build a corridor of new power pylons across the Somerset Levels near Burnham-On-Sea are gearing up for a final push to force National Grid to re-think the scheme.
It comes as National Grid offers residents one last chance to have their views heard during the final consultation on the Hinkley Point C Connection scheme.
National Grid has been considering several ways to introduce the 400,000-volt line from the proposed Hinkley C nuclear power station to a sub-station at Avonmouth.
It has proposed using a smaller type of T-shaped pylon, as we featured here last month, but it has ruled out using underground cables, apart from through several small Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the Mendips.
That has disappointed campaigners in the Burnham-On-Sea area who want the whole power line buried to reduce the visual impact on the environment.
National Grid has this week announced the dates of its final consultation, which will run from September 3rd to October 29th – before it submits its formal application to build the connection route.
Peter Bryant, National Grid senior project manager, said: “This is likely to be the last opportunity for people to say whether they are happy with our proposals or want to see something changed before the application is submitted early next year.”
“We want to hear from people in the local area so their opinions are considered as we finalise our plans.”
“The information we have received from the public throughout the project has been a great help in shaping our plans.”
“In September people still have the chance to influence important decisions about the project and also give their views on the new T-pylon which is being considered for the first time on a project in the UK.”
National Grid says a series of events will be held to give residents a chance to see the proposals in detail and also to share their views before an application is submitted.
There will also be exhibitions, question and answer sessions, ‘information points’ and a mobile consultation vehicle, which will visit supermarkets and other venues.
