Latest Update 22.11.25
Norwich 2 Tilbury affects the Chignalls near Chelmsford
For those living in Chelmsford, here are two photos of footpaths in the Chignal area which highlight the countryside National Grid intend to ruin by erecting 50m high pylons.
The first picture is where Footpath Chignal 11 starts at Chignal Smealy, looking towards Chelmsford. The pylons will be seen in the distance running from left to right, the same height as Melbourne flats (which can be seen on the horizon).
The second picture was taken where Footpaths Chignal 21, 22 and 26 intersect, again looking back towards Chelmsford, 400m from the line of 50m high pylons.
To raise your objections, and get this proposal stopped, please register with the Planning Inspectorate prior to 27th November at https://national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/projects/EN020027/register/register-have-your-say
Update 31.3.25
iNaturalistUK Norwich 2 Tilbury biodiversity project
Join the Norwich 2 Tilbury biodiversity project which aims to get everyone involved in recording the nature and wildlife along the pylon route. This is an opportunity to walk along the affected public footpaths and make observations. The aim is to encourage everyone to achieve Research Grade observations so they can be submitted to the Local Environmental Centres which will then feed into planning.
iNaturalistUK Norwich 2 Tilbury further details
How to sign up to iNaturalistUK
Update 27.4.24
Latest message from Simon:
"Further to my messages last year, and my article in the South East Walker, I have now updated my impact assessment spreadsheet.
This includes all of the PRoW that are within 50m and/or cross the proposed infrastructure, and now includes those affected by the significant extent of the Draft Order Limits (within which the authorised project may be carried out) and the Temporary and Permanent Works.
The conclusion is that 195 Public Rights of Way, up from 116 in 2023, will be either restricted or inaccessible. This will undoubtably have a significant impact on those wishing to access and enjoy our Essex Countryside. I believe this is now something of such importance that the Ramblers Association at National level need to take up."
Useful links:
Revised list of 195 PROWs affected in Essex : Affected PROWs across Essex version 3, 27.4.24
Revised list of 178 PROWs affected in Suffolk : Affected PROWs across Suffolk version 3
Revised list of 51 PROWs affected in Norfolk : Affected PROWs across Norfolk version 3
Interactive map on the Nation Grid site: Norwich to Tilbury Interactive Map
Sign the petition: Say No! Petition
Full project on the Nation Grid site: National Grid Norwich to Tilbury Proposal
Update 11.4.24
See the BBC East News article
New Norwich to Tilbury pylon consultation set to start
THE IMPACT ON PUBLIC RIGHTS OF WAY IN ESSEX
Written by Simon Polley, January 2024
Chelmer and Blackwater Ramblers Planning Monitor
Since joining the Ramblers four years ago my wife Sue and I have very much enjoyed walking the paths across Essex. At local group level I have taken on the role of Planning Monitor which provides me with an insight into the impact of proposed developments within the Chelmsford City Council district. Anything from a conservatory next to a footpath to five hundred new homes requiring bridleway and byway diversions.
When I became aware of the proposal by National Grid for 180 km of pylons across Essex, Suffolk and Norfolk I wanted to investigate the impact this would have on the Public Rights of Way (PRoW) across Essex. This was achieved by comparing the National Grid Norwich to Tilbury Interactive Map (extract reproduced below) and the Essex Highways Information Map.
The proposal by National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) is to reinforce the high voltage power network in East Anglia. The only option put forward by National Grid, during a recent Non Statutory Consultation, involves the building of a new 400,000 volt (400kV) electricity transmission line (OHL as noted in black on the map above), work at existing substations and building a new substation to connect new proposed offshore windfarms and interconnectors to the energy transmission network. Pylons East Anglia is campaigning against this proposal and is putting forward the option of an Integrated Offshore Grid, both cheaper and better for the environment.
In an effort to illustrate the magnitude of the NGET proposal to fellow Ramblers in our region I produced a spreadsheet listing the PRoW (Footpaths, Bridleways and Byways) that would be impacted. This included all of the PRoW that are within approximately 50m and/or cross the proposed infrastructure. I also included the impact on long distance paths and trials. Copies have been issued to the Ramblers Association, both at group and national level, extracts are reproduced below. The exercise was also repeated for Suffolk and Norfolk (see the link at the end of this article for all Essex PROWs affected).
My investigation identified 116 Public Rights of Way that would be either restricted or inaccessible during the overall construction period. Having in mind the necessary construction methods and a period of at least four years (Norwich to Tilbury) we can see that a significant swath of Essex Countryside will be impacted by this proposal.
The challenge to meet the Governments ambitions for offshore power generation and net zero by 2050 is undeniable. The future electrical demands across East Anglia, especially to serve London, is also not in doubt. What is in doubt, in my own personal view, is that the technology of the 1960’s, namely the use of pylons, should have no place in this day and age. For the Rambling community the disruption across our region (and Suffolk and Norfolk) will be significant.
The main aim of this brief article is to alert all our fellow ramblers across the South East and if they so wish make their views known at the next Statutory Consultation in 2024.
To see all Essex PROWs affected by this poposal see PROWs impacted by National Grid proposal
