National Grid submits plans for Wylfa Newydd connection

The proposals are for a new, second line of pylons close to the existing line and a tunnel under the Menai Strait.

Gareth Williams, senior project manager, said: “The connection will transport low carbon power to homes and businesses across Wales and the rest of the UK. Our application is an important step in unlocking many millions of pounds of local investment and around 9,000 construction jobs that the power station will create.

“We’ve listened to what people have told us and made hundreds of changes – big and small – as we’ve developed our plans. The feedback we’ve received during our consultations, and through our conversations with landowners, has made a real difference to the final design.”

Changes to the project as a result of feedback include:

• Selecting a route corridor in the centre of Anglesey, avoiding options nearer the coast;
• Routeing close to the existing line, keeping any effects of the two lines to one area and away from larger towns and villages;
• Looking closely at how we approach the Menai Strait, to avoid towns like Menai Bridge, Llanfairpwll and Y Felinheli; and
• Seeking consent for a tunnel, which will protect the Anglesey Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and iconic landscape.

By working closely with landowners along the route, National Grid has also made many small refinements to pylon locations and construction access tracks on their land.

Williams continued: “We would like to thank everyone who has taken part in our consultations and helped develop our proposals. We have received over 5,000 pieces of individual feedback.

 “We recognise that we have not been able to do everything we have been asked. But we believe our proposals offer the best balance of everything we must consider and mean there are no long-term effects for most areas of Anglesey and north Gwynedd.”

The Planning Inspectorate now has 28 days to decide whether to accept National Grid’s application for examination. If this happens, public hearings will be held in the local area. People will have the opportunity to take part and give feedback directly to the Planning Inspectorate.

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