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National Grid unveils route for new Hinkley Point C connection

National Grid has unveiled its proposed route for new electricity connections for the proposed Hinkley Point C nuclear plant.

The plans for the 400,000 volt connection include burying five miles of cables through the Mendip Hills area of outstanding natural beauty, leaving it free from pylons for the first time in 40 years.

National Grid’s proposals also include the use of the new T-pylon, potentially for the first time in the UK, and the removal of 90 pylons in Somerset.

Peter Bryant, senior project manager, said: “Over the past four years we have listened to what the public has told us and this has played a big part in how we’ve developed our plans. We know people are concerned about the connection’s impact on the landscape.

“We have tried to strike the best balance between reducing this and being mindful of the cost that ends up on everyone’s bills from all our connection projects around the country.”

The consultation on National Grid’s plan closes on Tuesday 28 October and the planning proposals for the new connections are due to be submitted in early 2014.