National Grid decision delayed

THE route a huge power line will take through North Somerset will not be announced until next year.

National Grid has plans to create a 400,000 volt power line from a new power station at Hinkley C in Bridgwater to Avonmouth and it was expected the company would make a decision on what route it would take this autumn.

However, it has now said it will not make the announcement until early next year due to the amount of feedback that was received during public consultation.

When the plans for the 37-mile line were first revealed, National Grid gave two options for where the line and its 150ft pylons would go.

Corridor one would see the line pass to the west of Nailsea near Tickenham and corridor two would see the line to the east of Nailsea near Backwell and Wraxall.

However, many residents want to see the cables put under the Severn estuary.

A National Grid spokesman said: “We are continuing to examine the responses we received to ensure we have addressed all the issues raised by residents, campaign groups, local authorities and statutory consultees.

“To ensure we have taken all the factors fully into account, we are carrying out a detailed appraisal to assess all the different system options, including underground and subsea cables as well as overhead lines, before announcing our decision.

“This is a very important decision and we need to ensure that we have taken into account the views of local people and organisations and responded fully to their opinions and concerns.

“We hope to be in a position to make an announcement on our preferred route corridor once we have completed this work and we expect this to be during the early part of 2011.”