Community turns out for ‘Day of Action’ against planned pylon installation

Campaigners against pylons in Morley

A campaign leader has hailed a great community turnout on a National Day of Action’, with the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, having been sent photographs of a local event.

A group of residents and campaigners from Morley participated in a so-called ‘Pylon Protest’ on Saturday 18th April, prior to the local elections on a day in which numerous groups and communities across the UK participated in a ‘Day of Action for Nature, Parks and Green Spaces’.

The event aimed to advocate for environmental protection and demonstrate broad public concern for the UK’s natural landscape. With approximately 90 distinct initiatives planned, the was anticipated to be the largest national community action for nature of its kind.

One focus of the event was on projects impacting the countryside, including opposition from Morley residents regarding National Grid’s proposal to install a series of giant electricity pylons, substations, and related infrastructure within the parish.

National Grid has identified rural Morley as a suitable location for the installation of some eighteen ‘mega pylons’ ranging from 51 to 63 metres in height, as part of the 60-kilometre Chesterfield to Willington phase of the ‘Great Grid Upgrade’. This project includes around 200 towers, heavy infrastructure, and substations.

Many communities have raised objections to National Grid’s plans, with Morley being particularly active in its response. On the 18th, Morley residents gathered to walk the proposed pylon route through the parish and discuss their campaign against the pylons.

Led by Kath Hardman and Duncan McIntyre, the group has been requesting a pause and reassessment of the scheme for almost two years, citing concerns about environmental impact and disruption to local livelihoods. According to Councillor Hardman, “While we do not oppose power development, the proposed route through Morley is not justified and will irreparably damage the parish.”

Communities affected by the Great Grid Upgrade are seeking intervention by Parliament, highlighting concerns such as permanent changes to landscapes, ecological damage, loss of agricultural land, effects on property values, community stability, and mental health impacts.

Morley and other groups contend that National Grid has not sufficiently evaluated alternatives to overhead pylons and has provided inaccurate information regarding underground cabling options.

Councillor McIntyre adds, “There appears to be an undue burden placed on rural areas compared to the broader national benefit, and newly available HS2 lines should be considered as potential routes. There are also ongoing concerns regarding environmental and animal welfare, including recent wildlife casualties associated with high-voltage transmission lines.”

The Morley collective asserts that National Grid is not adhering to Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations, the National Policy Statement, or The Holford Rules. Campaigners believe there has been inadequate public consultation, a lack of considered response and also a lack of transparency; they plan to keep voicing their concerns until the issue reaches parliament.

Councillor Hardman concluded, “We need parliamentary scrutiny, and hope that the collective action on April 18th ensured that our concerns are finally addressed.”

Speaking to Erewash Sound, a spokesperson for National Grid said: “We care deeply about protecting nature, green spaces and the countryside, and that commitment shapes how we design and deliver our projects. We invest in extensive public consultation with local communities, landowners, farmers, and their representatives, alongside organisations such as Natural England and the Environment Agency to achieve the best outcomes for nature, landscape, heritage, and electricity bill payers.

“As we deliver the infrastructure needed to meet growing energy demand, we must move more secure, home-grown energy from affordable sources to where it is needed, including in Derbyshire. Our projects are designed to minimise environmental impact and leave nature in a better state.

“We are committed to delivering at least a 10% biodiversity net gain on major projects, improving habitats and ecosystems in measurable ways. This work gives us a real opportunity to restore habitats, support wildlife and strengthen the natural environment for the long term.”