Richborough: New Pylon Route Announced

20 May 2014, 10:42 | Updated: 20 May 2014, 10:44

National Grid has today (20 May) announced the proposed draft route for a new electricity connection between Richborough and Canterbury.

Known as the Richborough Connection, the plans involve building a new overhead line and taking down an existing line of lower voltage UK Power Networks pylons in the same area. It will join the Nemo Link®* (an electricity link between Belgium and the UK) to the existing electricity network.
 
National Grid carefully considered whether there were any particularly sensitive locations where it was appropriate to use much more expensive underground cables, the cost of which would be fed back to everyone’s energy bills.
 
However it’s been concluded that a carefully designed and routed overhead line using natural screening such as existing landscape features, would achieve the best balance.
Project Manager Steve Self said: “Reducing the impact of this new connection is really important to us.  Our studies show that we can best balance the effect on the local landscape and the cost on people’s energy bills with a sensitively designed and carefully routed overhead line.
 
“The proposed draft route is further away from homes in Hersden, Upstreet, Sarre and Gore Street than the existing overhead line which would be taken down.”
 
A decision has still to be made on what kind of pylon to use with both the traditional lattice and new T-pylon being considered.
 
Mr Self added: “I’m encouraging people to come along to our information events in June to find out more and share their views.
 
“New connections like this are vital to keeping the lights on in the future, but we’re committed to working with local people - matching the right design to the right landscape can make a real difference.”
 
People can share their views and find out more about the plans at a series of information events which will be held as follows:
 
Thurs 12 June
Monkton Village Hall, 124 Monkton Street, Monkton, CT12 4JT.
2pm – 8pm

Fri 13 June
Broad Oak Village Hall, Hallock Road, Broad Oak, Canterbury, Kent CT2 0QH
2pm – 8pm

Sat 14 June
St Stephen's Church Hall, Hales Drive, Canterbury, CT2 7AB
10am – 4pm

Wed 18 June
The Bell Hotel, The Quay, Sandwich, CT13 9EF
2pm – 8pm

Fri 20 June
Hersden Community Centre, The Avenue, CT3 4HL
2pm – 8pm

Mon 30 June
Chislet Centre, St Mary the Virgin Church, Church Lane, CT3 4DU
2pm – 8pm

People can also give feedback and ask questions by:

·         Phoning the project on the Freephone number 0800 157 7878, 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

·         Writing using this freepost address: FREEPOST RICHBCONNECTION

·         Sending an email to richboroughconnection@communitycomms.co.uk

A website on the project is also available at the Richborough Connection website