Lower bills would not make up for pylons 'blight'
BBCPlans to give people living near new pylons and substations money off their energy bills would not make up for having to live with the new infrastructure, according to a Cumbrian campaign group.
Jim Donovan, from East Carlisle Against Pylons and Substation, said proposed new overhead lines would "blight" views and damage house prices in his village of Scotby.
The government is introducing the Bill Discount Scheme, which will see people living within 500m of new electricity transmission infrastructure get discounts of £250 a year for 10 years.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) said it was a "tangible" benefit for communities hosting new pylons.
The Cross Border Connection project aims to improve electricity flows between Scotland and England and deliver "clean, homegrown energy to power up to six million homes," according to the National Grid.
It would see a new substation, thought to be larger than any currently existing in the UK, built either to the north or east of Carlisle, along with pylons of up to 50m high.
Donovan, who represents Scotby on Wetheral Parish Council, said: "The views we're enjoying today looking across the Pennine hills will be permanently blighted."
He said the discounted bills would not make up for a potentially significant impact on house prices.
National Grid said the details had not been finalised and it would work closely with local communities as the project developed.
"We carefully balance environmental, engineering, community, planning and cost considerations," a spokesperson said.
A DESNZ spokesperson said: "We need new grid infrastructure to provide energy security and deliver clean power for the British people, to bring down bills for good.
"Communities hosting new pylons will receive direct, tangible benefits, including up to £2,500 off household electricity bills over 10 years for those living nearby."
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