MAJOR concerns have been raised about National Grid's plans to run power lines across Sedgemoor should two new reactors at Hinkley Point win planning permission.

National Grid intents to go ahead with one of two options for overhead power lines running through Sedgemoor up to Avonmouth if the Hinkley scheme is approved.

A recommendation, backed by Sedgemoor district councillors last week at a public meeting where the authority gave its formal response to the scheme, read: “The council has been severely hampered by a lack of co-operation in providing funding to allow full and detailed consideration of the issues.

“The council will call upon the Secretary of State, National Grid and the Infrastructure Planning Commission to ensure a full and informed process is followed before any decisions are made.”

The recommendation also called for details and costs to be provided about all route options.

Last week's meeting heard calls for National Grid to install undersea cables instead of overland lines.

Cllr Roger Lavers said: “It appears they are just going for the cheapest options, which will demonise the area. Clearly the consultation is not fit for purpose.”

However, after the meeting, National Grid said it would carefully consider all the responses it had received during the 14-week consultation period before making a decision on where the pylons should go next month.

National Grid said plans for undersea cables were ruled out for reasons including cost and engineering and technical work.

A second consultation will begin once detailed plans have been established about where the pylons will go.

After National Grid submits its preferred route for the pylons, the Government's Infrastructure Planning Commission will decide whether the plan can go ahead.