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National Grid has submitted plans to bury 4.6km of overhead electricity line in the North Wessex Downs.
The project is part of the wider £465 million Visual Impact Provision (VIP) initiative to remove overhead line infrastructure in five Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs).
The North Wessex Downs project involves replacing 4.6km of overhead electricity line and 13 pylons with underground cable to the north of Devizes.
As well as submitting its planning application to Wiltshire Council, National Grid has also formally requested funding for the project from Ofgem.
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.
“The VIP Project is the first time that high voltage overhead transmission lines have been removed and placed underground purely to reduce their visual impact and enhance a beautiful landscape.”
If approved work on the project would commence on site during 2023 with construction complete and the pylons removed in 2026.
Work on three other VIP schemes has already begun in Snowdonia, the Peak District and Dorset. A consultation for another scheme is underway in the Cotswolds.
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