2026 

With the new cables now buried underground and the cable sealing end compounds built, we will start preparation works to remove the 13 pylons and the 4.6km of existing overhead line. This work will also include fully removing the temporary haul road and restoring the landscape to enhance biodiversity in the area. 

2024-2025

Construction on the project started in early 2024, with an initial programme of archaeological investigation works led by Wessex Archaeology. 

The first phase of construction work involved establishing a temporary haul road across the length of the cable route, allowing our teams access and reducing the need to use local roads. We had to build new temporary ‘one armed’ pylons at each end of the route so that we could transfer the overhead lines to these new pylons. This allowed us to start construction of the two new cable sealing end compounds, which are needed to connect the new underground cable to the remaining overhead line on completion of the project. 

In autumn 2024, the new electricity cables were delivered to site from where they were manufactured in South Korea and we started work to install them underground. This involved digging trenches, laying ducting and jointing the cables. 

By the end of 2025, the new cables were buried underground and successfully passed a series of high-voltage tests that confirmed their capability to safely transmit the necessary voltage once in operation

2023

We issued a planning application for the scheme to Wiltshire Council in spring 2023, as well as to the industry regulator Ofgem for the funding of the project.  Prior to this, we carried out more formal public consultation to show our proposals to the public and gather feedback which was used to shape the application.

Planning permission and funding approval was granted in autumn 2023.

WINTER 2020/21

Detailed ground investigation (GI) works were undertaken in winter of 2020/21. This has enabled us to work out the best alignment for the underground cables and the precise locations of the sealing end compounds.

We updated Wiltshire Council, local parish councils and Devizes Town Council during this period on our progress and plans.

Virtual engagement events happened early in 2021 to bring the project to life for the people of Devizes and beyond.

SPRING – SUMMER 2020

We carried out a range of archaeological and environmental surveys throughout 2020.

AUTUMN – WINTER 2019/20

We met with a range of local stakeholders and interest groups to introduce them to the project and gather feedback and local knowledge of the area.

SUMMER 2019

National Grid worked with local partners to establish a Stakeholder Reference Group. The following organisations met regularly every six months or so to attend these technical meetings:

• Wiltshire Council
• North Wessex Downs National Landscape
• Natural England
• Historic England

SPRING 2019

Our work on delivering a landscape and visual enhancement project in the North Wessex Downs began in spring 2019. The section of overhead line near Devizes was earmarked for removal from over 100 alternatives following an independent study as having a major landscape and visual impact.