Farmers’ concerns over Kent pylon plan ‘ignored’

National Grid has been accused of failing to listen to farmers’ concerns about plans to erect high voltage pylons across a stretch of Kent countryside.

Farm leaders in the region have raised concerns about the Richborough Connection, which will see a 400kV overhead line connection installed between Richborough and Canterbury as part of a bigger project to connect the UK national grid with Belgium.

National Grid says the initiative will help secure a safe, secure energy supply by allowing high voltage cables to be run under the sea, connecting the UK with Zebrugge.

See also: Landowners risk missing out on pylon compensation

But the NFU and Country Land & Business Association (CLA) claim there has been a failure to consult farmers properly, even though it has long-term implications for their businesses and property values.

David Hill, CLA south east regional surveyor, said landowners faced several years of disruption and many felt legitimate concerns they had raised during the planning process were being ignored.

For example, while there had been a preference among landowners for T-pylons to be used, as they have a smaller footprint than other types, a decision had been made to use larger, lattice steel pylons.

“They want more careful consideration and explanation of why particular decisions are being made,” he said.

Inadequate

Tom Ormesher, south east NFU environment and land use adviser, agreed engagement with affected landowners had been inadequate.

About 75% of route changed after the statutory consultation had been completed in 2015, but those affected were not given the opportunity to enter any meaningful dialogue, he said. The lack of detail available about the project was another problem.

“National Grid need to enter into negotiation on this – there has been no sense they are willing to vary the heads of terms offered and no sense that they are willing to provide further detail on major issues like drainage and soil management.”

Mark Chandler, a surveyor with Sandwich-based Finns which represents 85% of affected landowners, said farmers had been left feeling aggrieved.

Most accepted that the line had to go in, but the consultation process to iron out the finer details had been lacklustre, he said.

For example, a common problem was the pylons had been positioned too close to the boundary to be able to get the boom of a sprayer down the side – severing bits of land off the field.

Engineering issues

But when farmers had asked for them to be moved into the field they had been told it was not possible because of engineering issues.

In a statement, National Grid defended its plan, claiming it had held regular discussions with landowners about how they would be affected.

“All feedback was carefully considered and helped shape our thinking as we developed our plans,” it said.

“Our last consultation was held last year and we believe our proposed route and choice of pylon type strikes the right balance between the sensitivities of a new overhead line in the area and the cost on everyone’s bills.”

The planning application is being examined by the Planning Inspectorate.