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Essex County Council has raised concerns that a proposed electricity pylon route could reduce the appeal and value of new homes in Brentwood, Essex.
National Grid is planning a major electricity transmission line running from Norwich to Tilbury, crossing Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. Part of the proposed route would pass close to Dunton Hills Garden Village, a large new housing development in Brentwood set to deliver around 4,000 homes.
The council believes that overhead pylons near the site could negatively influence buyer perception, property values and land prices in Essex. Objections have been submitted to the government’s Planning Inspectorate, citing a lack of detail on how visual impact, construction disruption and effects on local roads in Brentwood would be managed.
National Grid says the scheme is vital to meet rising electricity demand and support renewable energy infrastructure in the East of England, including power generated by offshore wind farms. Around 21 kilometres of the route would be placed underground, including sections through protected landscapes.
The project is currently in the planning and pre-examination stage, following extensive public consultation. A final decision will be made by the Secretary of State after an independent review.
While supporting green energy, Essex County Council says the potential impact on new-build homes, housing demand and local communities in Brentwood must be properly addressed.
