Concerned residents turned out in numbers to attend our recent ‘Understanding The Grid’ seminar at Hatherleigh, after receiving letters from an agent for the National Grid about proposals to build a new 132kV electricity line between North Tawton and Alverdiscott.
It’s the second such seminar this year we’ve organised on a subject most people know very little about, yet one that’s becoming increasingly important to understand in light of the growing number of planning applications for Battery Energy Storage Systems, solar and wind farms and now the proposed AI Data Centre near Great Torrington.
Residents who attended the event at the end of October were concerned about the effects of a new power line on the landscape and their properties, particularly the height of poles or pylons, how disruptive the construction process would be, and whether a new line would adversely affect wildlife.
Devon CPRE Chairman Steve Crowther, who addressed the packed meeting, says, “In partnership with the County Councillor for much of the affected area, Cllr Sue Davies, we have approached the agents, Fisher German, suggesting that we hold an open meeting for those who will be most affected at which they can hear the details from the developer, National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGET), and air their concerns. We await their response.
“While we are aware of the need to reinforce the grid in the South West, particularly in light of the increasing stress it is under from intermittent renewable energy connections, we are keen that the voices of local residents should be heard clearly in the planning of any such large-scale construction through the countryside.”