Fears 300-year-old oak will be axed for pylon plan

National Grid has been asked to spare a 300-year-old oak tree threatened by plans to build pylons across Essex.

The oak, known as Henry by residents in Rivenhall, and several smaller trees lie on the planned 114-mile (183km) route between Norwich and Tilbury.

Green councillor James Abbott said nature faced a "very significant threat" in the area of Braintree he represented.

However, National Grid said it was yet to make a final decision about how it would route pylons through Rivenhall.

"We continue to make changes to the proposals following the feedback received and our own surveys," a spokesman added.

Campaigners feared vast gantries would be installed around Henry while the 50m-high (164ft) pylons were built in Church Road.

They asked National Grid to adjust the route so the historical tree could be spared the axe.

Earlier this year, National Grid revealed "minor adjustments and tweaks" would be made to the locations of about 30 sites following feedback.

Abbott said people should also consider the impact of access roads needed to build the pylons.

"It's the access roads that pose a very significant threat to those trees and also the clearance swathes," he added.

Those opposing the pylons plan were dealt a blow in April when a report found they were cheaper than burying cables underground or at sea.

Abbott said he thought it was a "crass solution" to harnessing more renewable energy.

National Grid stressed it was listening to communities and more than 13,000 pieces of feedback it received over the wider plan.

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