Time is running out for residents, businesses and community groups to have their say on the proposed Tarchon Interconnector.

Tendring District Council (TDC) is encouraging anyone with an interest in the project – which would create a new international electricity link, involving offshore cables and supporting infrastructure on land to connect into the national electricity network – to review the proposals and submit their views before tomorrow’s (Thursday, 13 August) deadline.

The council has also reaffirmed its concerns about the scheme, which must be considered alongside the growing number of nationally significant energy infrastructure projects being proposed in Tendring.

TDC recognises the important role new energy infrastructure will play in supporting the transition to net zero and improving energy security. However, the authority remains concerned about the cumulative impact of several major projects being focused within the district.

Alongside the proposed Tarchon Interconnector, Tendring is already expected to accommodate infrastructure associated with the Norwich to Tilbury pylons project, including the East Anglia Connection Node, as well as the Five Estuaries and North Falls offshore wind farms.

Councillor Andy Baker, TDC Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning, said residents were right to raise concerns about the combined effect of the proposals.

“Residents are increasingly concerned about the cumulative impact of multiple large-scale energy infrastructure projects being focused within a relatively small part of Tendring,” he said.

“While each project is promoted separately, local communities – especially in Ardleigh, Little Bromley, Lawford and other parts of rural Tendring – experience the combined impact.

“The council remains particularly concerned about the continued industrialisation of our rural landscapes, the loss of productive agricultural land, highways impacts, effects on biodiversity and the potential for years of disruption affecting residents, businesses and visitors.

“The emergence of the Tarchon Interconnector adds a further layer of uncertainty and concern for communities who are already facing the prospect of significant infrastructure associated with other nationally significant projects.”

The council will set out its detailed objection as part of its formal non-statutory consultation response and will continue to press for a more strategic and coordinated approach to energy infrastructure planning.

Consultation documents and details of how to respond can be found on the project website: https://tarchoninterconnector.com/consultation/uk-consultation/summer-2026-non-statutory-consultation/.

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