Published: October 4, 2012
Controversial pylon route plans to be announced in November

Draft details of the exact route of a new 400,000 volt overhead power line, which will cut through the Burnham-On-Sea area, are to be announced next month.

Energy giant National Grid is set to announce on November 6th exactly where its 37-mile power line will run between Avonmouth and Bridgwater.

Last autumn, National Grid announced that its preferred route for the new power line would follow the existing 132,000 volt line which runs near villages in the Burnham area including Mark and East Huntspill.

However, it conceded that it would consider running some sections of the 37-mile line underground "if the economies were right" following pressure from residents and action groups who are worried that the towering pylons would hurt the countryside.

In a statement, National Grid spokeswoman Jane Taylor said: "We are aiming to make the announcement on the route of the power line on November 6th. This will be the first draft of the route – we are putting a line on a map as to where the line will go. There will be opportunity for further consultation on the proposals."

Pictured: Top, Mark villager Alan Sealey holding a sign at a protest earlier this year