Residents in the Burnham-On-Sea area who want their say on controversial plans by National Grid to install a line of new pylons have just a few days remaining.
The new Hinkley Point C power station will need to be connected to the National Grid at Avonmouth and the company is planning to use new 36-metre tall T-shaped pylons instead of traditional pylons, as pictured here.
The 400,000 volt power connection will run through the Burnham area. Despite calls for the line to be buried underground, National Grid says the 37-mile line will run overground for much of the route.
Public consultations held by National Grid have finished and the application is now being considered by the Planning Inspectorate.
However, this final consultation stage is the last chance for the public to voice their opinions, which will then be considered by the Planning Inspectorate as it decides whether the project will proceed.
Future meetings held by the Planning Inspectorate can only be attended by those who have registered as ‘interested parties’. These people can also make written submissions.
But the deadline is looming and people must register quickly to ensure they can have their say.
The deadline for registering is 11.59pm on Tuesday. Anyone can register by visiting the National Planning Portal here.
Burnham-On-Sea Conservative parliamentary candidate James Heappey has written to more than 2,000 households in the area as a reminder to register before the deadline.
He said: “The campaign to stop these pylons has been running for many years but it is absolutely vital that local people register as an interested party so that they can participate fully in this next – and potentially decisive – phase of the planning process.”
“Absolutely anyone can register as an interested party and, once registered, people will be able to make written submissions and then attend – and speak at – public meetings organised by the Planning Inspector.”
“It is essential that those meetings are packed so that the planning inspector is in no doubt about the depth of local opposition and our frustration over the lack of consideration given to underground or undersea options.”
