Fears have been raised that historic buildings could be blighted by a line of pylons set to be cut across the Norfolk countryside.  

South Norfolk Council (SNC) has reiterated its objections to National Grid proposals for 112 miles of pylons from Dunston, near Norwich, to Tilbury on the Thames Estuary.

In a letter to the energy company, the authority raised fresh concerns that the plan could have a “significant detrimental impact” on heritage assets. 

National Grid insists the 400kV line is vital to help the UK achieve its ambition of net zero emissions by 2050. 

SNC said the area has “numerous heritage assets” including Saxon and Norman churches, the Boudicca Way, museums and walking and cycling routes, and the proposed pylon sitings could hurt tourism.  

They said: “National Grid therefore need to fully assess the impacts the project infrastructure would have on the known features, both directly and indirectly.” 

The authority said there would be a “dominating” and “clearly visible and have an intrusive presence” at three buildings in particular: 

  • Kenningham Hall Farm, a Grade II listed farmhouse on Brickkiln Lane in Mulbarton built in the 1600s.
  • Flordon Hall, a Grade II* farmhouse near Flordon, built between 1595-1612.
  • Heywood Manor, a Grade II house between Tibenham and Diss, the property includes a crossing bridge over a moat.

Responding to SNC’s objection, a spokeswoman for National Grid said: “When siting new infrastructure, we seek to avoid sensitive areas and places where people live, and we have a team of specialists looking in detail at these issues to help find the best route for the project.

“We are still at an early stage and at our recent consultation we asked for comments on where we might site pylons and other infrastructure."

She said they welcome feedback from SNC and will consider all issues raised as they continue to shape the proposals.