National Grid has announced updated plans for its proposed connection through Powys and Shropshire including low height pylons and eight miles underground. National Grid is now consulting on these proposals and is asking for people’s comments from 18 November 2014 to 9 February 2015.
Local consultation events are being held at:
- Knockin Assembly Rooms, Knockin, Shropshire SY10 8GY on Sat 29 Nov 2014, 10am – 4pm
- Maesbrook Village Hall, Maesbrook, Oswestry, Shropshire SY10 8QP on Thursday 11 December 2014, 2pm – 7.30pm and Friday 9 January 2015, 1.30pm – 7.30pm
- Llanymynech Village Hall, Station Road, Llanymynech SY22 6EE on Thursday 4 December 2014, 1.30pm – 7.30pm and Saturday 17 January 2015, 10am – 4pm
National Grid says public feedback can influence the proposals. It is seeking feedback on the pylon designs it is proposing. The new T-pylon is proposed in the east of the connection, in Powys and Shropshire, and a low-height lattice design in the Powys uplands, in the west of the route. These designs are up to a quarter shorter than conventional lattice pylons and have been selected as National Grid considers they could be most suited to the landscapes in each area.
For the first time, the proposals include a detailed design for the connection, including a substation in Powys, an eight mile underground route in the Meifod Valley and the locations and designs of pylons.
Mid Wales Connection project manager Jeremy Lee said: “We know from the feedback we’ve received that pylon height is a factor many people are concerned about and we’ve looked very carefully at this and the different landscapes along the route.
“We’re proposing the two low-height pylon designs as we think they each offer the best opportunity to keep any visual impact in the different areas as low as possible.
“This is our initial recommendation and we’re really keen to hear people’s thoughts on which pylon design they prefer and why.”
National Grid is inviting comments on all of its proposals including the underground cable route, areas proposed for construction and transport plans, in addition to pylon designs and locations.
Jeremy continued: “This is likely to be our last route-wide consultation before we make our planning applications. Feedback from local communities is important and will continue to help shape these proposals. If there are changes you think we should make, let us know and, importantly, let us know why.”
Details of the latest proposals are available on the project website www.nationalgrid.com/midwalesconnection or by contacting National Grid’s community relations team on 0800 019 5325.