Declares that the Petitioners believe National Grid’s consultation on proposals to erect 152 feet high pylons is flawed; that the proposal would blight the beautiful unspoiled Somerset countryside; and further declares that the Petitioners accept that electricity transmission is essential but the Petitioners are concerned that National Grid is offering consultees a choice between two unacceptable routes, chosen by National Grid solely on the basis of cost, to the exclusion of other viable options such as undergrounding, under the Bristol Channel or along the M5 corridor.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to take all possible steps to encourage National Grid to stop the current consultation into electricity transmission in Somerset and consider other viable options.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by Tessa Munt, Official Report, 18 July 2011; Vol. 531, c. 762 .]
[P000943]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change:
The Government recognise the importance of effective consultation taking place with the communities affected by proposed electricity network infrastructure projects. It is also important to note that new electricity network infrastructure projects will allow new generation to connect and add to the reliability of the national energy supply.
National Grid has a statutory duty under the Electricity Act 1989 to develop and maintain an efficient, co-ordinated and economical system of electricity transmission. Under the same Act it is also required to have regard to a range of impacts any of its proposals may have, and to do what it reasonably can to mitigate them.
The Planning Act 2008 makes extensive provision about the consultation which developers must carry out with local authorities, local communities and statutory bodies before making an application for new electricity network infrastructure. I am aware that local authorities and local people have responded to National Grid’s consultation on the Hinkley Point C connection project.
Decisions will be taken with regard to the energy National Policy Statements which set out national policy and typical impacts against which proposals for major energy projects will be assessed. In respect of electricity networks, in circumstances where visual impact of overhead lines is particularly significant developers are required to give consideration to alternatives including underground or subsea cables. Decision makers are required to take alternatives and other mitigation measures into account when examining and determining applications.
Subject to the Localism Bill receiving Royal Assent the IPC will be abolished in April 2012 and I, as the relevant Government Minister, will be responsible for determining the proposed National Grid Hinkley to Seabank grid connection application. It would therefore not be appropriate for the Government to intervene in this matter before National Grid’s application has been made and examined.