Changes made to proposed pylons scheme

Plans for a 37-mile pylon network in Lincolnshire and Leicestershire have been updated by National Grid.

The scheme would run between Weston Marsh, near Spalding, and east Leicestershire. It was originally announced in May last year.

As well as the new overhead line, substations at Corby Glen, near Bourne, and Wartnaby, near Melton Mowbray, would be built and about 40 miles of upgrades would be made to existing overhead lines.

The power company said the updated proposals would "reduce effects on homes, views and local features".

The changes include moving the proposed route closer to Surfleet, which National Grid said would reduce the visual impact on nearby homes and make use of screening provided by existing woodland.

There are other route refinements in South Holland, near Haconby, Dunsby and Stainfield, south of Potter Hill, and near Holwell Nature Reserve.

Details can be seen on National Grid's interactive map.

Victoria Strickland, the scheme's project director, said it was vital "in order to be able to move electricity from generation sources, including the Lincolnshire coast, further west".

"The way we generate and use electricity is changing, and demand for electricity is expected to more than double by 2050," she said.

"Weston Marsh to east Leicestershire is a vital project that will help ensure the electricity network is ready to meet future demand and connect more homegrown British energy for generations to come."

Campaigners and Lincolnshire County Council have opposed other schemes in the county, with No Pylons Lincolnshire describing it as "the industrialisation of the countryside" in order to support renewable energy generation.

A public consultation on the plans has started and will run until 3 November.

National Grid said the feedback would be added to its planning application, which is expected to be submitted in 2028.

If approved, construction is expected to start in 2029 with the line becoming operational in 2033.

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