On a particularly beautiful Friday morning in Suffolk, I joined residents of Offton Village to walk the route of the proposed pylon line that threatens to cut through their picturesque landscape. The project, if allowed to proceed in its current form, would not only scar the natural beauty of this historic village but also raise concerns about operational safety for military helicopters flying from RAF Wattisham.
What makes this disruption all the more frustrating is that overhead pylons aren’t even the most cost-effective option. Underground cabling, while initially more expensive, offers long-term savings through reduced maintenance costs and avoids the lasting visual and environmental harm caused by towering pylons. In a county renowned for its rural charm and historic settlements, it is imperative that we champion solutions that preserve Suffolk’s heritage and character.
Offton and neighbouring villages deserve better. I remain fully committed to working alongside residents to make the case for undergrounding the cables. Together, we will continue to press for an approach that balances our energy needs with the preservation of Suffolk’s treasured landscapes.
