Plans to “transform” the Devizes skyline by removing almost 5km of electricity lines have been submitted to Wiltshire Council.

The National Grid has submitted an application to remove 13 electricity pylons and 4.6km of overhead cables, which currently sit to the north of the town, and replace them with underground cables.

The scheme is aimed at enhancing the landscape and skyline of the North Wessex Downs Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is part of the National Grid’s attempts to reduce the visual impact of high voltage power lines.

In particular, the plans are intended to improve the downland views from the Millennium White Horse.

The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald: The skyline without a pylon.The skyline without a pylon. (Image: National Grid)

Chris Baines, the chair of an independent advisory group to the National Grid’s Visual Impact Provision scheme, said: “By working with a range of stakeholders at a national and local level, we have a major opportunity to preserve and enhance this landscape.

“Those familiar with this part of the North Wessex Downs AONB will be aware of the positive impact that removal of the pylons will have on the views across this wonderful place.”

The submission of plans is the culmination of three years of engagement with local communities, businesses and stakeholders.

If approved, the plans will see work start later this year while the pylons would be removed by 2026.