What are the key stages and timescale for objectors to a powerline proposal?
5.1 First is the consultative stage before the formal proposal is made. The company might consult only authorities, recognised environmental bodies and selected affected people, so you may not get to hear about it, although your parish council should hear and there could be local consultation open meetings run by the company. The press may pick it up, and the company website may have a statement. 5.2 An Environmental Impact Assessment (sometimes called an Environmental Statement) is usually published before, or when, formal application is made. It is produced by consultants working for the electricity company to assess the impact of the proposal under many headings. The formal application is made to Secretary of State for Trade and Industry (or BERR after June 2007) in England and Wales, to the Scottish Executive in Scotland, or to the Department of Environment in Northern Ireland. Then the clock is running with a deadline for formal objections. 5.3 A key objective at this stage is to
