Witham MP Priti Patel has criticised National Grid's plans for new pylons across the East of England. 

Mrs Patel voiced her concerns of local communities against the plans, which propose more than 100 miles of new pylons and overhead powerlines, at the House of Commons during a debate on the Autumn Statement. 

She said: “My constituents are angry about the ill-thought-out proposal by National Grid to impose 100 miles of pylons and overhead powerlines between Norwich and Tilbury.” 

She challenged the Government over plans to fast-track the planning process to build more pylons and called for more work to be undertaken on an offshore grid alternative during questions to the energy minister on November 28. 

The MP also challenged the Government over proposals to offer what local communities have branded “bribes” in exchange for accepting new pylons and infrastructure. 

She said: “The Government needs to pull the plug on the awful pylons plans that are casting a shadow over communities across the East of England.  

“Residents are deeply concerned that this onshore infrastructure will be imposed on them as a result of the absence of a clear strategic plan being put in place to bring power generated by new wind farms.  

“Local communities have had little say in these matters and I will keep on pressing the Government, National Grid and those involved in developing wind farms to pursue an offshore grid as an alternative, which will have more long-term benefits and reduce the need for onshore infrastructure.”