A project to replace a 7km section of high voltage overhead electricity lines and 16 pylons in the Cotswolds National Landscape with underground cables has moved a step closer following the submission of a planning application.

The project is part of National Grid’s Visual Impact Provision* (VIP) project to reduce the visual impact of existing high voltage power lines in protected areas across England and Wales.

Planning applications have been submitted to Cotswold District Council and Tewkesbury Borough Council which set out the details of the new cable route along the Cotswolds Plateau and proposals for two new sealing end compounds, which are required to connect the new underground cables to the existing overhead electricity line. 

Since the scheme was formally announced in 2022, National Grid has worked closely with landowners and stakeholders to develop and refine its plans with the input from organisations including Cotswolds National Landscape, Historic England, Natural England, as well as representatives from local district, county, town and parish councils. 

The project team has also held a number of community events over the past three years to present information and gather feedback, in addition to holding workshops with specialist groups including those with a focus on countryside access.  National Grid has separately supported and participated in a range of local events as part of its engagement, including the Winchcombe Walking Festival and Winchcombe Country Show. 

Chris Baines, chair of the VIP project’s national independent Stakeholder Advisory Group said: “Working with National Grid on the VIP projects is among the most exciting work that I have been involved in, with schemes located in some of the most special landscapes in the country.” 

“Key to the success of the project will be continuing to work collaboratively with both local and national stakeholders, involving close communication between the custodians of the unique Cotwolds landscape,  local residents and National Grid.  We are confident that if approved the scheme will deliver great benefits to both local people and visitors to the area.” 

Amardeep Malhi, National Grid Lead Project Manager said: “This project has been stakeholder led from the outset and as we have developed our planning application, we have worked closely with a variety of local experts, organisations and landowners as well as residents living in the nearby communities. 

“We’ve listened and responded to the feedback received, which has been reflected in our application and has helped us to carefully set out how we will approach and manage the complex construction process”. 

The section of line to be removed runs from Postlip Mill in the north to the edge of the Cotswold Plateau to the north of Dowdeswell reservoir and runs along the Cotswold Way National Trail for much of its length. The project was chosen from a shortlist by the project’s national Stakeholder Advisory Group following an extensive landscape assessment of National Grid’s existing infrastructure in National Landscapes and National Parks in England and Wales.

National Grid’s planning applications are due to be determined later this year, while a submission to industry regulator Ofgem for the funding of the project will also be submitted shortly. If approved work on the project would commence on site in early 2026, with construction complete and the pylons removed in 2029.