New Power Lines Consultation Period Extended

Weston-super-Mare MP John Penrose has welcomed National Grid’s decision to extend its consultation period on the proposed routes for new power lines from the new nuclear reactor at Hinkley Point.

National Grid finished the first stage of its consultation for the new lines in February but, after receiving 4,000 replies to the proposals, have now extended the process to 23rd July.

The extension includes 24 drop-in events and the publication of new information on the potential routes through North Somerset, including the financial and practical realities of putting the lines under the Severn Estuary.

Mr Penrose has been pushing for extra information to be published on the proposed routes after being contacted by many residents concerned by the potential environmental impacts.

A survey on the MP’s website shows that nearly half of the people that responded want the lines placed under the estuary to minimise the environmental impact, while about 40% want them placed underground.

John said: “This is a welcome step by National Grid. Many people are rightly concerned about the environmental impact of these lines, especially to the Mendip Hills AONB.

"Publishing this extra information and extending the consultation period to give people a chance to respond is definitely the right way forward.

“Local people deserve to know the details so we can see for ourselves what the pros and cons of each of the options are and what the impact will be on our local environment.

"The final decision will affect us all, so I’d like to urge everyone who can to have a look at the new information and let National Grid know what they think about the routes and which one should be taken forward”.