South Holland MP Sir John Hayes has outlined his objections to proposed overhead power lines that would affect Weston, Surfleet and Pinchbeck.
The most recent consultation on National Grid’s Weston Marsh to East Leicestershire overhead line has now concluded.
Critics of the scheme say the cables and pylons will be a blot on the landscape and if built, should be underground.
National Grid says that would be too costly and the infrastructure is needed to support the country’s future electricity needs.
Following the previous consultation, the energy company said it had moved the proposed route for the scheme and pylons closer to Surfleet than Pinchbeck.
Sir John publicly shared his own response to the process which is set to be decided by central government.
“The visual impact of these giant pylons on the flat landscape would be so immense for people living in Weston, Surfleet and Pinchbeck that there can be little meaningful mitigation,” the response states. “Indeed the document helpfully includes a visualisation of the new overhead line from Wood’s Lane, Surfleet which shows the enormous affect the pylons would have on the local topography.
“From my examination of the documents, there will be around 26 such pylons in South Holland only.”
It continues: “This part of Lincolnshire boasts more Grade One and Two agricultural land than any other in England and so it is essential that farmland remains in production to ensure that food prices remain affordable and that food security is assured.
“In this context the 6.8-mile stretch of highly fertile farmland in South Holland alone is unacceptable.”
The statement also mentions concerns over the impact on historic buildings such as St Laurence Church in Surfleet and about effects on migrating birds.
“I remain of the view that using the underground cabling for this route would be a much less harmful way forward than the present proposals and request details of what comparative assessment has been made of underground rather than using overhead cables on this route,” Sir John continues. “National Grid has experience of removing electricity lines and pylons in the Cotswolds, replacing them with cables buried underground in order to enhance the landscape and so I am confident there is a way this can be done.
“Residents living near to the proposed route feel this is yet another example of an enormous development being imposed on them, with no meaningful option to object at a local and national level.
“This unfairness is compounded by the fact that they will not see cheaper or cleaner energy as a result, instead suffering a permanent loss of precious farmland.”
