Farmers could 'lose livelihood under pylon plan'

A family of farmers said they faced "losing our livelihood" if plans to erect electricity pylons went ahead.

National Grid submitted proposals to build a 114-mile (185km) chain of pylons between Norfolk and Essex, to carry offshore-generated electricity across East Anglia.

Clare and Dicky Lanham - who farm at Dunton near Basildon, Essex - said an access road is planned to run a couple of metres from their house, and through the middle of their field.

National Grid said it had been in "regular contact" with the Lanhams, and recognised that the works "could be disruptive to day-to-day operations".

The Lanhams graze 50 cattle on their 25-acre farm, as well as renting an adjoining field.

They said the planned eight-metre (26ft) wide access road, which would lead down towards a pylon located off their land, would render their field useless, and they might have to sell off their herd.

"We've spent a decade building this… There was nothing here when we came," Dicky, 43, told the BBC, saying the news was "like a dagger through the heart".

"As farmers, that is your income - if you can't keep your animals, then how can you farm?" Clare added.

The Lanhams also rear 10,000 turkeys every year, which they said was worth £30,000 to their business.

They raised logistical concerns and said any vehicle coming onto the farm would have to be disinfected due to the ongoing risk from bird flu, and the animals could be compromised by a constant flow of construction traffic.

The couple said they were not eligible for compensation under the plans, as a pylon would not be directly on land they owned. They added that any financial damages to their business, which they could claim back, would have to be proven losses, which could take years to be paid out.

Clare, 46, said they had suggested an alternative route to National Grid - bypassing their property and another affected one by using an existing road - but had received no response.

"You feel like you have no voice, and it doesn't matter what you say, it just falls on deaf ears," she said.

National Grid said the pylons would carry enough energy to power six million homes and businesses, and demand for electricity in the East of England was set to double by 2050.

Critics said the cables should be put offshore, but National Grid said this would potentially double the costs involved.

Rosie Pearson, founder of the Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons Action Group, said the Lanhams' situation "exemplified the way National Grid is going about this entire project".

"[It] is ignoring every single bit of feedback it's getting from landowners, and that's deeply frustrating and really upsetting for them," she told the BBC.

National Grid said it had reviewed more than 20,000 pieces of feedback on its proposals, making hundreds of changes, including moving pylon locations and extending underground cable sections.

Responding to the Lanham's situation, a spokesperson said it had been "in regular contact with the owners of the farm through their appointed land agent for several years".

"We recognise that the potential introduction of nearby construction activity and associated access arrangements could be disruptive to day-to-day operations, and detailed discussions around access, construction activity, and practical steps to reduce disruption where possible are ongoing," they continued.

"The Norwich to Tilbury project...will help support homes and businesses across East Anglia by ensuring access to reliable, secure, home-grown energy from more affordable sources.

"As electricity demand is expected to increase significantly in the coming years, including across agriculture, the project will be important in helping businesses operate, invest and adapt for the future, while also supporting jobs and economic growth in the region and strengthening long-term energy security."

A final decision on whether the pylons plan will go ahead will be made by the energy secretary Ed Miliband.

Construction of the project - which is currently being examined by the Planning Inspectorate - could begin as early as next year if agreed.

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