National Grid axes huge £17m project after locals complain about ‘spooky’ noises

The National Grid appears to have dropped flagship plans for new T-shaped pylons amid complaints they make a “spooky” noise.

In 2015, so-called T-pylons were unveiled in what was reported to be the first big change to the common lattice design seen across Britain.

But T-pylons have only appeared in Somerset where locals have said the sound of wind when it hits the pylons is “horrid” and “really spooky”.

T-pylons, which have been compared to golf tees with diamond shaped earrings, are shorter than their more familiar counterparts.

After ploughing £17million into the development of T-pylons, a line was installed in Somerset connecting to Hinkley Point C nuclear power station in 2021, according to the Telegraph.

The same publication reports that documents it has seen outline a number of problems with the newer pylons.

Besides the “spooky” noise, the structures require more steel to produce them, meaning they are more expensive, and their bases can be prone to flooding.

Part of the documents say traditional lattice structures have served the nation for the past 60 plus years and have been “very reliable and resilient throughout”.

It adds: “Moving towards a less flexible and more costly design seems counter-intuitive.”

The UK has over 88,000 pylons, with more required to get renewable energy on Britain’s grid to help the UK reach its net zero goals.

A National Grid spokesman said: “Our Hinkley Connection Project, which includes T-pylons, is nearing completion and will help power six million homes with clean electricity.

“The T-pylon design has been well received by the community, who showed a preference for it during consultation.”

He said the National Grid considers all technology options for future new network projects, including offshore, underground and overhead lines and T-pylons.

The spokesman said the National Grid balances a range of factors, including what’s possible from an engineering and environmental point of view, as well as feedback from local communities to inform its decisions.

He added: “The cost of all National Grid Electricity Transmission activity across England and Wales, including the Hinkley Connection Project, amounts to around £25 on the average annual household electricity bill.”