AN experienced planning barrister has dismantled and picked apart the way in which National Grid has handled the consultation process for its East Anglia pylons project.

In a damning legal review of the utility firm’s proposed plans to upgrade its electrical network, Charles Banner QC described the consultation period as “deficient”.

He also suggested National Grid has already decided to proceed with the project and to discount alternative options, regardless of the concerns of residents.

The leading London-based lawman also claims the environmental impacts of the preferred route have not been evaluated.

In a statement sent to the Essex Suffolk Norfolk Action Group he said: “The public consultees have not been provided with anything approaching a sufficient level of information to enable them to make an intelligent comparison of the environmental impacts of the preferred option compared to options which involve no, or considerably fewer, pylons.

“If left uncorrected these legal deficiencies will infect the later statutory consultation.”

Rosie Pearson, spokeswoman for Essex Suffolk Norfolk action group, added: “Our QC has agreed with us that National Grid’s pylons consultation is just not worth the paper it is written on.

“The public has simply been presented with a proposal National Grid has already set its heart on.

“It’s a disgrace we have been given insufficient information to make an informed response.”