Residents raise concerns over proposed Devon power line

The meeting, organised by Devon CPRE (the Devon branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England), followed letters sent to local households by an agent acting for National Grid about the proposed 132kV line.

The seminar, held at the end of October, was the second event organised by Devon CPRE this year to help people understand the electricity grid and the growing demands being placed upon it.

The issue is becoming increasingly significant as more planning applications come forward for battery energy storage systems, solar and wind farms, alongside proposals for an AI data centre near Great Torrington.

Residents attending the meeting raised concerns about the potential impact of the new power line on their homes and the surrounding countryside. Questions included the proposed height of poles or pylons, disruption caused by construction work and possible effects on wildlife.

Devon CPRE Chairman Steve Crowther addressed the meeting and said: “In partnership with the County Councillor for much of the affected area, Cllr Sue Davies, we have approached the agents, Fisher German, suggesting that we hold an open meeting for those who will be most affected at which they can hear the details from the developer, National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGET), and air their concerns. We await their response.

“While we are aware of the need to reinforce the grid in the South West, particularly in light of the increasing stress it is under from intermittent renewable energy connections, we are keen that the voices of local residents should be heard clearly in the planning of any such large-scale construction through the countryside.”

Devon CPRE said it was awaiting a response to its request for an open meeting, which would give residents the opportunity to hear directly from National Grid Electricity Distribution and raise questions about the proposals.