Pylon compensation is a joke, say residents

People living on land which 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.

It comes as National Grid has suggested a new power line might run through countryside in the Amber Valley, Derbyshire.

But the residents are not impressed with the proposal, with local farmer Sarah Bexton saying "any compensation is a joke".

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.

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?"

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, 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 which would be more suitable.

"How they can think this is just an open space is beyond me," she said.

"The hedgerows, all these fields, just abundance of biodiversity and wildlife.

"This is our Covent Garden. This is our recreational ground."

A spokesperson for 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 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.

"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."

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