APC to help fund Anti-Pylon campaign
Many of you will be aware that National Grid has now formally submitted the application for a Development Consent Order to construct the pylons between Norwich and Tilbury, including thirteen through our Parish. The Secretary of State will make the final decision towards the end of next year.
The Parish Council recognises the impact this will have in terms of uncertainty and blight before, during and after construction. It will be probably the most significant change in the Parish since the railway line to Cambridge was built in the 1840s! The Council recognises the need for the new infrastructure but is committed to opposing this application on the grounds it is the wrong solution and better alternatives have not been properly explored. It supports the very effective campaign across the three counties by East Anglia Pylons Ltd (EAPL - aka EssexSuffolkNorfolkPylons) and acknowledges that as a small Parish we are limited in what we can achieve by ourselves.
Whilst we will submit further representations in our own name and may consider appearing at any public Examination we have resolved to support the EAPL campaign as a more cost-effective way of using the Parish Council’s resources, rather than appointing our own advisors or legal representatives. The Parish will make a contribution of up to £5850* to EAPL over the next twelve months. This will be funded from existing Reserves and any underspend from this year’s budget. If any increase is needed in the Precept to cover these costs and to ensure we continue to hold adequate reserves, this will be recovered over a two year period to minimise the impact on your Council Tax.
We hope you will understand and support the Council’s decision and continue to make representations on the application in your own names to reinforce the strength of feeling. However, if you have any concerns or comments on the decision please speak to any Councillor or contact the Clerk at clerk [at] aldhamparishcouncil.gov.uk and come along to our next meeting which will be on 7th October at 7:30pm in the Village Hall.
Aldham Parish Council
5th September 2025
* this amount equates to 1p for each millimetre of pylon to be erected in the Parish!
