Holbeach Rural councillor says area is becoming ‘dumping ground’ for energy schemes in reaction to National Grid pylon plan

A county councillor fears Lincolnshire is becoming a 'back yard dumping ground’ for energy and infrastructure projects to support the south east of the country – and fears we’ll be footing the bills.

The county has received a swathe of planning applications for solar panels in recent years, while National Grid want to run pylons from Grimsby through the east coast of the county into Cambridgeshire.

Meanwhile, Anglian water also wants to build a multi-billion pound reservoir on land close to Donington and Billingborough in Scredington.

Coun Peter Coupland, who represents Holbeach Rural on Lincolnshire County Council – which could be taking National Grid to court over their plans – fears these plans with have a number of impacts on the county.

“I feel Lincolnshire is becoming a back yard dumping ground for Government agencies energy and infrastructure projects, mainly to support the south-east of the country,” he wrote in an email to LincsOnline.

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“We are seeing power cables laid, reservoirs proposed, offshore wind turbines, possible nuclear waste dump, massive solar farms and now monster pylons stretching the full length of county.

“I feel there's little benefit to Lincolnshire as a whole from this proposal.

“There will be months and months of disruption to many villages with the works, in fact I see a massive cost to tax payers as our country lanes will be broken up by construction traffic, costing millions to repair.”

Coun Coupland also sniffed at suggestions National Grid will financially support community projects if their plan gets the thumbs up.

“The offer of the National Grid to provide cash for community use in the future is a downright insult to residents… nothing more than a cheap shallow incentive not to object,” he continued.

“The Government and its agencies appear to be ignoring the impact of this pylon proposal on Lincolnshire residents and the landscape.

“Pylons create noise and will have an impact on natural habitats, tourism, property values and agriculture - driving down the local economy and impacting the quality of life for many people.

“This power route could go underground but will cost a lot more… an integrated offshore grid could be favoured as a cheaper, faster and better option.”

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