Angela Rayner has announced new planning rules to speed up infrastructure (Image: Getty)
Campaigners have accused the Government of “bribing” communities with token money off their electricity bills in return for destruction of their local environment with pylons.
has set out plans for households living within half a kilometre of new or upgraded power systems, such as pylons, to get access to a bill discount scheme giving them up to £2,500 on bills over 10 years – equivalent to a yearly payment of £250.
Rosie Pearson, of the Essex Suffolk Norfolk Pylons Action Group, said: “Bribing communities with token money off their electricity bills and new playgrounds in return for destruction of their local environment and businesses has been deeply unpopular since the concept was first proposed.
“Instead, we need to see alternatives to pylons considered and consulted on. When projects do go ahead, residents and businesses need to be fully compensated for their financial losses. Community benefits must not be confused with compensation. Project developers must not be allowed to pay to destroy nature.”
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The Government’s payment scheme is expected to be in place from 2026 and apply to new onshore, above-ground transmission cables and substations, as well as some major upgrades.
Developers will also be urged to fund projects like sports clubs, educational programmes or leisure facilities as part of efforts to reward communities that host new infrastructure.
Deputy Prime Minister and Housing Secretary said: “This Government’s Planning and Infrastructure Bill will slash energy bills for local people living near new projects, so they benefit as we drive forward in our mission to achieve a more prosperous and energy-secure future for the next generation.”
The planning reforms are part of a drive to create a homegrown clean energy network and meet the Government’s target to build 1.5 million homes this Parliament.
Housing and planning minister Alex Norris said on Monday that communities “need to share the benefits” of the government’s transition towards clean energy.
He said:”If you’re making that sacrifice of having some of the infrastructure in your community, you should get some of the money back.
“So we’re making that commitment – £250-a-year if you are near those pylons.
“We think that’s a fair balance between people who are making that commitment to the country… they should be rewarded for that.”
Sir has repeatedly vowed to put “builders not blockers” first.
The Prime Minister announced earlier this year that “unarguable cases” that are legally challenged will only be able to be brought back to the courts once – rather than the previous three times.
Officials are set to consult on removing Sport England, the Theatres Trust and the Garden History Society from the list of bodies legally required to be consulted on planning decisions, while the scope of others who get to give input is set to be narrowed.
James Robottom, RenewableUK’s head of policy, said: “We welcome the Government’s latest steps to help get Britain building the infrastructure it so desperately needs.
“It’s right that local communities should benefit from hosting new and upgraded pylons, so this guarantee that they will have significantly lower electricity bills is a positive step forward. We recognise the need to bring communities with us as we build the clean energy system of the future by ensuring that they have a tangible stake in it.
“This will help to enable the roll-out of much-needed new grid infrastructure at a faster pace, so that we can make the most of the vast amounts of clean power we’re producing, by transporting it more efficiently from where it’s generated to where it’s needed in homes and businesses all over the country.
“Our switch to an energy system dominated by renewables will also strengthen the UK’s energy security by reducing our exposure to volatile international gas markets which caused the recent spike in energy bills, so it’s a win-win all round”.