Pylons compensation is a joke, residents say

People who live on land that could be chosen for a new important energy line have returned to compensation plans.

The Government would grant those who live within the 500 million new Pylon £ 250 a year of their energy invoices for a decade.

It occurs when National Grid has suggested that a new electric line could cross the field in the Amber Valley, Derbyshire.

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

The ministers say that ensuring the energy security of Great Britain is vital and the electricity lines are necessary to supply renewable electricity generated by sources such as wind turbines.

However, Mrs. Bexton, who cultivates in near Oakerthorpe, feels that the compensation offer, which is equivalent to 68p per day, is cautious.

She said: “£ 250 is a joke. Any compensation is a joke because once the field has been spoiled, it has gone forever.

“There is a great thing about preserving your mental health and connecting with nature. What does giant pylons that spoil the horizon natural?”

Lynn Walshaw, who said the compensation was equivalent to less than one pound per day and could not compensate for the impact on the view.

A campaign group has formed, Save Amber Valley Environment, to oppose the plans to run the 37 miles (60 km) of electricity pylons through Derbyshire.

Catherine Harris de Save said there were other routes that would be more appropriate.

“How they can think that this is just an open space is beyond me,” he said.

“Sets, all these fields, only abundance of biodiversity and wildlife.

“This is our Covent garden. This is our recreational land.”

A National Grid spokesman said: “We are still in the early stages of developing the Chesterfield project to Willington, and the exact route for the upper lines has not yet been decided.

“We are working closely with local communities and parties to carefully consider the effects of the project on local scenario and the environment and the comments we have received is invaluable.

“We plan to celebrate our next consultation at the beginning of 2026, where we will present our favorite route. They will all have the opportunity to comment on our updated proposals.”

Previously commenting on the proposals, the Vice Prime Minister and Secretary of Housing, Angela Rayner, said: “We owe the people of this country to build Great Britain again.

“It is no longer about whether we build the new infrastructure we need, but a matter of how and this should be done in blocking with local communities.

“The draft planning and infrastructure law of this government will reduce energy invoices for local people living near new projects, so they benefit as we advance in our mission of achieving a more prosperous and safe energy future for the next generation.”