THURROCK Council has declined to say whether it opposes a controversial project to upgrade the electricity infrastructure between Norwich and Tilbury.

The National Grid project would see 159km of overhead cables hung between 50-metre-high pylons spanning from Norwich to Tilbury. Some of the route, including a stretch around East Tilbury, will go underground, making the whole project 184km long.

National Grid is in the process of drawing up its application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) to the planning inspectorate.

The scheme, which follows a consultation in October, has been condemned in Norfolk, Suffolk and North Essex but Thurrock Council is yet to nail its colours to the mast.

At a full council meeting on Wednesday (27 November), Barry Johnson, Conservative councillor for Orsett asked if the Labour administration agreed with the proposal to construct pylons right across Thurrock.

Lee Watson, councillor responsible for good growth, said the council had submitted "a detailed response" to the consultation.

She said: "This response highlighted several significant issues that we believe National Grid must carefully consider as they proceed with developing the next stages of the Development Consent Order.

"I understand your concerns and we share the same concerns that members might have regarding the constructing pylons across Thurrock but it's important to note that these proposals remain in the early stages of the process."

Cllr Watson added: "Thurrock Council remains committed to robustly engaging with National Grid at every opportunity to ensure that our residents' interests are fully represented. We will not hesitate to raise concerns or challenge proposals that could negatively impact on our borough.

"The next formal step will be for National Grid to submit their DCO to the planning inspectorate. This submission will initiate a structured engagement process during which the council will play an active role in scrutinising the proposals and advocate  for the best outcomes for Thurrock. We are prepared to stand firm to protect the community interest as this goes forward."

Cllr Johnson said the response failed to reassure residents the authority was against the proposal.