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Pylon compensation is a joke, say residents | Pylon compensation is a joke, say residents |
(4 days later) | |
Farmer Sarah Bexon says "once the countryside has been spoilt, it's gone forever" | Farmer Sarah Bexon says "once the countryside has been spoilt, it's gone forever" |
People living on land that could be chosen for a major new power line have hit back at compensation plans. | |
The government would give those living within 500m of new pylons £250 a year off their energy bills for a decade. | The government would give those living within 500m of new pylons £250 a year off their energy bills for a decade. |
It comes as National Grid has suggested a new power line might run through countryside in the Amber Valley in Derbyshire. | |
But the residents are not impressed with the proposal, with local farmer Sarah Bexton saying "any compensation is a joke". | But the residents are not impressed with the proposal, with local farmer Sarah Bexton saying "any compensation is a joke". |
Higham resident Lynn Walshaw says no compensation would make up for the loss of green space | Higham resident Lynn Walshaw says no compensation would make up for the loss of green space |
Ministers say securing Britain's energy security is vital and the power lines are needed to supply renewable electricity generated from sources like wind turbines. | Ministers say securing Britain's energy security is vital and the power lines are needed to supply renewable electricity generated from sources like wind turbines. |
However Ms Bexton, who farms at nearby Oakerthorpe, feels the compensation offer, which equates to 68p per day, is derisory. | However Ms Bexton, who farms at nearby Oakerthorpe, feels the compensation offer, which equates to 68p per day, is derisory. |
She said: "£250 is a joke. Any compensation is a joke because once the countryside has been spoilt, it's gone forever. | She said: "£250 is a joke. Any compensation is a joke because once the countryside has been spoilt, it's gone forever. |
"There's a big thing about preserving your mental health and connecting with nature. What's natural about giant pylons spoiling the horizon?" | "There's a big thing about preserving your mental health and connecting with nature. What's natural about giant pylons spoiling the horizon?" |
'Our Covent Garden' | 'Our Covent Garden' |
Her concerns were echoed by Lynn Walshaw, who said the compensation equated to less than a pound a day and no money could ever make up for the impact on the view. | Her concerns were echoed by Lynn Walshaw, who said the compensation equated to less than a pound a day and no money could ever make up for the impact on the view. |
A campaign group, Save Amber Valley Environment (SAVE), has been formed to oppose plans to run the 37-mile (60km) corridor of electricity pylons through Derbyshire. | |
Catherine Harris, from SAVE, said there were other routes that would be more suitable. | |
"How they can think this is just an open space is beyond me," she said. | "How they can think this is just an open space is beyond me," she said. |
"The hedgerows, all these fields, just an abundance of biodiversity and wildlife. | |
"This is our Covent Garden. This is our recreational ground." | "This is our Covent Garden. This is our recreational ground." |
Residents in Higham say the Amber Valley would be changed forever if the area is chosen for a new power line | |
A spokesperson for the National Grid said: "We are still in the early stages of developing the Chesterfield to Willington project, and the exact route for the overhead lines has not yet been decided. | |
"We are working closely with local communities and stakeholders to carefully consider the effects of the project on the local landscape and environment and the feedback we have received is invaluable. | "We are working closely with local communities and stakeholders to carefully consider the effects of the project on the local landscape and environment and the feedback we have received is invaluable. |
"We plan to hold our next consultation in early 2026 where we will present our preferred route. Everyone will have the chance to give feedback on our updated proposals." | "We plan to hold our next consultation in early 2026 where we will present our preferred route. Everyone will have the chance to give feedback on our updated proposals." |
Previously commenting on the proposals, Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: "We owe it to the people of this country to get Britain building again. | Previously commenting on the proposals, Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary Angela Rayner said: "We owe it to the people of this country to get Britain building again. |
"It is no longer a question of whether we build the new infrastructure we need but a question of how and this must be done in lockstep with local communities. | "It is no longer a question of whether we build the new infrastructure we need but a question of how and this must be done in lockstep with local communities. |
"This government's Planning and Infrastructure Bill will slash energy bills for local people living near new projects, so they benefit as we drive forward in our mission to achieve a more prosperous and energy secure future for the next generation." | "This government's Planning and Infrastructure Bill will slash energy bills for local people living near new projects, so they benefit as we drive forward in our mission to achieve a more prosperous and energy secure future for the next generation." |
Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. | Follow BBC Derby on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. |
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