Campaigners say the clock is ticking for Morley to avert a 'pylon invasion'

Campaigners protesting against a proposed new electricity pylon route crossing through the borough have claimed that Morley residents have been 'blindsided' by news from National Grid that they plan to install 50-metre tall 'mega-pylons' carrying 400 kilovolt overhead lines through the parish as part of 'The Great Grid Upgrade'.

The scheme involves miles of installations and runs of overhead lines across UK counties - and locally, a project links Chesterfield to Willington via the Erewash borough, with section 3 running from Ripley to Morley, section 4 from Morley to Ockbrook and section 5 from Ockbrook to Aston-on-Trent.  Following a consultation from May to September 2024, stages of the project run through to construction in 2028 and anticipated completion in 2031.

National Grid has sent Morley residents information about the proposed pylon route, along with an opportunity to provide feedback via a consultation form. 

Campaigners claim that, at present, one of the proposed routes would "almost completely encircle" the parish with some 75% of residents having pylons located within 250m of their homes and many having them much closer. 

Stating that the community feels that current proposals place an unfair and disproportionate burden on the area, campaigners are seeking to have meaningful dialogue with National Grid, to help influence a more collaborative and solution driven outcome that, they say, will more fairly represent and address the concerns of the Morley community. 

Duncan McIntyre and Kath Hardman are members of Morley Parish Council. They have discovered that many residents have not received any information and are therefore unaware of the plans. The two are now on a mission to ensure the whole community is called to action to provide feedback on the proposed route.

Mr. McIntyre said: "We understand the need for the network to be upgraded, but the sheer scale of these fifty metre pylons is completely disproportionate to the land here. We have no tall buildings or large enough woodlands to mask such tall structures - so no matter where the location, they will be highly visible. 

"One of our largest farms producing around a million litres of milk yearly is set to be dissected by the proposed route, which may force its closure. Tourism will also be very adversely affected with giant pylons and lines cutting through the rural landscape."

The ‘Stop The Pylons Derbyshire’ campaign group has been rapidly set up by both Duncan McIntyre and Kath Hardman as a means to keep those connected to Facebook informed - and now has over 700 members - but with social media having limited reach within the community, they have also formed a volunteer group to help residents campaign and complete the consultation forms ahead of the National Grid deadline of September 17th 2024.

Kath Hardman said: "It is critical that as many people as possible complete this form. It is our only chance to get our voice heard and time is rapidly running out. Along with volunteers from our village, we are currently visiting every house in the village to make sure every resident is fully aware of the scale of these plans and the enormity of the pylons - and to help people complete the Feedback forms. We’re holding drop-in sessions where we can to assist people with their submission."

Both parish council members have also written to local parish councils affected by the proposed route, as well as holding presentations and attending ‘cross county’ meetings, but are rapidly realising that the task before them is considerable and therefore one they simply cannot co-ordinate alone but that they must focus on Morley.

With Morley’s future under threat, residents are working together to protect their parish.  As well as the ‘Stop The Pylons Derbyshire’ Facebook group, a website has been set up at www.stopthepylons.co.uk 

A final community update and feedback session will be held on 10th September at Morley Hayes Golf Club. Information will also be made available at the Morley Show, held at Morley Retreat on Sunday 15th September.

The village of Morley sits on the edge of Derbyshire’s Peak District and provides a unique and spectacular viewpoint, with views stretching out over the Peak District and Derwent Valley World Heritage sites.

Morley relies on agriculture and tourism as its main income sources. Many large working farms operate within the parish and the scenic setting of Morley Hayes hotel and golf course draws thousands of visitors throughout the year, whilst employing local residents.

With its rolling fields, open valleys, ancient woodlands, a nature reserve and several sites of archaeological and historical significance, Morley is described by the councillors as "undoubtedly an area of outstanding natural beauty; it features a broad network of public footpaths and is also home to migrating birds, wild deer and several endangered species."