A controversial pylon project is set to be built between two villages after the government gave plans the seal of approval. 

The new pylons were approved on Thursday by the new Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, Ed Miliband, and will stretch the 29km (18 miles) between Bramford in Suffolk and Twinstead in Essex. 

Suffolk County Council had formally objected to the plans by National Grid, which would see 18km of overhead lines and around 11km of underground cable through the Dedham Vale National Landscape and in the Stour Valley.

Following the announcement, Suffolk County Council said its influence throughout the process had led to Mr Miliband "acknowledging the important role of local authorities" in requiring their approval of National Grid's detailed construction and environmental management plans before they start work. 

The council said the Secretary of State agreed that National Grid should not wield so much control over the delivery of the project.

Councillor Richard Rout, Suffolk County Council’s deputy cabinet member for nationally significant infrastructure projects, said: "Whilst not a perfect proposal, and one which the council did feel the need object to, I’m pleased with this council’s influence in setting some precedents for future infrastructure projects.

Cllr Richard RoutCllr Richard Rout (Image: Richard Rout)

“The recognition of the role of this council, and others like us, sends a strong message to National Grid and other project promoters, that they cannot just do as they wish.

“My hope is that other projects sit up and take note – protecting local communities is of paramount importance, something we continually fight for.”

The council said there were "disappointments" in the approval decision, including the fact that working hours are to include weekends and bank holidays in some areas.

Cllr Rout continues: "Although we would still prefer to see better mitigations with this project, I feel this is a step in the right direction and hopefully sees an end to project promoters thinking they can have a free-for-all approach and ignore local authorities.

“With such a barrage of projects from solar farms to pylons, substations to interconnectors, all wanting a piece of Suffolk, it is our duty to stand with our communities to protect our residents, businesses and our historic, beautiful and environmentally-rich county.”

This comes after Mr Miliband approved the controversial Sunnica solar farm plan on the edge of Suffolk, causing outrage.