The National Grid has today announced its proposed route for a new line of pylons in Kent.

New overhead lines between Canterbury and Richborough, near Sandwich, will connect the UK to electricity in Belgium, known as the Nemo Link.

The structures will meander through a so-called North Corridor past the villages of Hersden, Upstreet and Sarre.

But the National Grid says the draft route will be further away from people's homes in Hersden, Upstreet, Sarre and Gore Street than an existing line, which will be demolished.

It also says no decision has been made on the type of pylon to be used. It has considered both regular lattice tower pylons and new T-pylons, each the height of 11 and eight double-decker buses respectively.

This route was prefered to another South Corridor proposal – which would cut through land in Ash, Elmstone, Wickhambreaux, Wingham and Fordwich.

Project manager Steve Self said: "Reducing the impact of this new connection is really important to us.

"Our studies show that we can best balance the effect on the local landscape and the cost on people’s energy bills with a sensitively designed and carefully routed overhead line.

"The proposed draft route is further away from homes in Hersden, Upstreet, Sarre and Gore Street than the existing overhead line which would be taken down."

A public consultation has been launched, coming to six locations along the route next month.

Mr Self added: "I'm encouraging people to come along to our information events in June to find out more and share their views.

"New connections like this are vital to keeping the lights on in the future, but we’re committed to working with local people – matching the right design to the right landscape can make a real difference."

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