Minutes for EGM June 2025 (National Grid)

Download a PDF copy of the minutes here

DRAFT MINUTES: CORBY GLEN PARISH COUNCIL

Draft Minutes of the EGM held on Tues June 24^th 2025 at 7.30pm in the Willoughby Memorial Gallery, Corby Glen.

Present: Cllrs Walsingham (Chair), Baker, Ellam, Green, Harty, Harwood, Mardling, Shepperson (Vice-Chair) & Waumsley

In attendance: 5 Corby Glen residents; 2 out of parish residents; Mrs. S. Woodman (Parish Clerk). It was noted that some interested parties had been unable to attend because blocked in by the roadworks.

Open Forum:

Corby Glen residents made the following points: 

• The new residential area proposed by SKDC in its new Local Plan had not been taken into account. This indicates a significant disconnect between National Grid & SKDC Planning. The Chair explained that SKDC Local Plan consultation was due to start soon: this is relevant to Corby Glen because of the proposed housing development allocation of 144 houses north of Bourne Road east of Barn Owl Close / St Johns Drive / Walsingham Drive and 293 houses south of Bourne Road, wrapping around the east of Corby Glen and David Wilson Homes over the Swinstead Road south of the Ron Dawson Memorial Hall to the eastern valley top overlooking the West Glen.
• The size of the proposed pylons was a concern.
• Query why the power line had not been taken underground.
• Concern with the disruption which the construction will cause.
• The site of the substation is one of 6 proposed – the others are down lanes with some closer to Swayfield or Burton Coggles.
• Noted that the schools, fire station have been avoided.
• It is understood that owners of land on which the pylons are sited will not benefit greatly financially.
• More information and detail is needed on the proposed route, including the criteria used in selection of preferred corridor.
• The amount of financial compensation to be made available to communities affected by the power line has not been clearly explained – figures per km of overhead line and for substation in parish have been mentioned, but despite publicity in press and mention in documents it is unclear whether it will happen.
• There is concern for the effect on wildlife.

The out of parish residents reported that they are unhappy with the plans on the preferred southern route to locate a pylon immediately outside their property. They were also concerned about the effect on local wildlife, including death to birds flying into wires. Their views were noted, and it was suggested that they should also discuss the matter further with their Parish Council.

1. Apologies for absence: None
2. Councillors’ Declarations of Interest:
3. Discuss the proposed National Grid Power Line planned to run close to the village:

Councillors were asked for their individual views, which are summarised as follows:

• It is recognised that the whole plan is national government policy and cannot be prevented – but it is hoped that the selection of the final route can be influenced.
• Curiosity was expressed about how a substation could be allowed close to, whereas a small industrial development was scrutinised on planning grounds.
• The increased cost of putting the power line underground is of the order of x10.
• It has been suggested that this project will bring employment to the area. This is NOT the case. The sub-station is unmanned, and whereas there may be some job opportunities during construction, these are likely to be unskilled and limited, and not local.
• The size of the pylons proposed (50m high) was questioned – would smaller and therefore less obtrusive ones be possible?
• It is hard to see any local benefit which would accrue from the project.
• Concerns about the significantly increased volume of traffic during construction, and the effect on the community (eg dirty roads), as was experienced during the recent residential development.
• Councillors believe that more information exists on the rationale and the exact route / location of pylon planned – this should be made available.
• Increasing concerns re environmental impact on nature and the agricultural land.
• The potential financial impact on property prices has not been assessed.
• Financial compensation to the community: It is not known how much this may be, nor the way in which it will be administered (cf S106 funds). If the council were to propose a project, who would determine whether these funds could be used?
• The size of the sub-station (=20 football pitches) and its open (air-cooled) structure, had not been appreciated, and its potential impact on the landscape, noise pollution etc. was a concern.
• The council was disappointed that only 5 Corby Glen residents had attended the meeting, although more had attended the open day the previous Saturday. The council is duty bound to reflect the views of its residents. The best way to establish a consensus on this was discussed.
• The timing of the consultation was inopportune being during holiday time; the length of notice was also considered inadequate, as was the length of time for response.
• We need to learn from our experience of the recent residential developments – need to ensure that promises are kept, that plans are followed and that this is enforced if deviated. Who is the inspection / enforcement authority? National Government?
• A question was raised whether a Public Right of Way near proposed substation site was to be re-routed; a notice was seen on north kerb there but unsure whether related. Chair to investigate.
• Are there drainage implications regarding the sub-station, given that the Glen is prone to flooding?
• There were concerns about risks associated with cables crossing the railway line and the sub-station with its high voltages being located close to main line and its associated power cables. Lightning strike?

4. Resolve the council’s current position on this matter.

The most urgent action is to canvas the opinions of the Corby Glen residents, whom the council represents, and the feelings relayed to National Grid and other parties. The Chair had been approached for comment by a journalist.  Cllrs and some residents, including out of parish residents and district and county cllrs, had attended the 21^st June meeting which appeared when most busy to be half populated by National Grid staff. The meeting presented technical and glossy information, including a lot of detail on scheme history but the information and staffing did not add much new to what had already been posted out to all residents and landowners. The Chair, along with other Cllrs, had attended the webinar 23^rd June and had asked various questions which had only been partially answered.

A Facebook poll was considered – but this would not be accessible to all as many residents are not on Facebook.

It is preferable to contact all residents by leaflet including a feedback form. Cllrs, and information, to be available at community events going forward to speak to residents. The results to be published on the web site.

It was hoped that in time accurate information eg size of pylons, route, artist’s impression of the sub-station, if possible, would be available. After hearing views on southern and northern routes around Corby Glen built environment (the blue corridor heat map indicating what looks like 80% likelihood of southern, and 20% likelihood of northern route, with very faint possible route parallel and east of railway connecting the southern route from the east to the substation west over the railway north of A151), the Chair said it was too early to prefer a route before we had attempted to reach all residents for views under our own efforts, especially as there were several properties either side of Irnham Road and Tanners Lane which could be affected by the northern route.

It was noted that the existing line of pylons, east of Corby Glen (see below), were missing from the map provided to residents by National Grid and this should be questioned and investigated for options.