Ben Goldsborough: 'Norfolk could be Texas of green energy'

Ben Goldsborough, Labour MP for South Norfolk, has urged people in his constituency to think of how they might profit from the 114-mile line from Dunston, near Norwich, to Tilbury on the Thames estuary.

The proposed route passes a number of Norfolk communities and has provoked huge opposition in the area, with critics saying the 45-50m high pylons will have a devastating impact on the landscape.

But Mr Goldsborough believes that National Grid will push ahead with the scheme "come what may" and says campaigners should focus on seeking compensation from the company. 

Many people living along the pylon route oppose the scheme (Image: Newsquest)

He said: "We can't just fight today's battles and not think ahead - we need to be preparing for the worst case scenario because they're not going to listen.

"South Norfolk could be the Texas of green energy but we need to make sure people don't get done over and go without compensation."

The boom of the Texas oil industry in the 20th century boosted the economy and also grew the population and overall wealth of the state.

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The National Grid project would allow power generated from wind farms off the coast to be used elsewhere in the country.

Critics argue the line should be laid underground or on the seabed, but the company argues this would add hugely to the cost and would result in higher energy bills.

Mr Goldsborough said his preferred option would be a connected offshore grid - but thinks this is unlikely to happen. 

Ben Goldsborough, Labour MP for South Norfolk (Image: Denise Bradley)

He added: "If there was any goodwill to this project it has been burnt up - it all boils down to money and they will base their decision on costs.

"I haven't given up yet but we need to think ahead."

The pylon scheme has previously received the support of Rachel Reeves, the chancellor, who suggested that local people could receive a reduction in their electricity bills in exchange for hosting the new infrastructure.

However, UK law does not require National Grid to compensate for loss of view.