2024 – 2026

Construction work on the project is getting underway in early 2024 and will take approximately two years to complete. It will include the removal of 13 pylons and the 4.6km of existing overhead line, as well as the start of work to restore the landscape and enhance biodiversity in the area.

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.