Devizes skyline to be transformed by National Grid works

Wiltshire Council has granted National Grid planning permission to remove 4.6km of existing overhead high voltage electricity lines from the North Wessex Downs National Landscape just outside of Devizes.

In total 13 pylons will be replaced with underground cables, and National Grid says the project will enhance the landscape of the picturesque skyline.

The overhead line set to be axed currently runs east from the west of Roundway Hill and Covet to a field just north of the Kennet and Avon Canal, near the Bridge Inn on Horton Road.

Construction is due to begin during the first quarter of 2024 following preliminary archaeological work at selected locations, which will start in January.

It is hoped the project will be completed and all 13 pylons removed by the end of 2026.

Chris Carr, National Grid’s senior project manager for the scheme, said securing planning permission represented a “major landmark” in the progress of the scheme.

He added: “We would like to thank Wiltshire Council and local stakeholders for the constructive advice given to us throughout the development process.

“From the outset our proposals have been very much shaped by stakeholders, and we now have the positive outcome we had hoped for.”

Before and after images of the area (Image: National Grid)

The plans were first introduced in 2019 and National Grid has since been working to develop these proposals with local stakeholders.

These include the North Wessex Downs National Landscape partnership, Natural England, Wiltshire Council, Historic England, and the local town and parish councils.

National Grid is progressing with the approved scheme as part of its Visual Impact Provision project, which aims to reduce the impact of high voltage power lines in protected areas across the country.

The project, one of five being taken forward, will require major engineering work and Balfour Beatty has been appointed as the main contractor.

Chris Baines, chair of the VIP project’s national independent Stakeholder Advisory Group, 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.

“I am delighted that following this important decision, we are one step closer to transforming this beautiful landscape.”