Government approves controversial 40-mile stretch of overhead power-lines in Somerset

The government has approved plans for a controversial row of overhead power-lines to link the Hinkley Point C power-station and Avonmouth.

The line of pylons will stretch for 40 miles and will stand between 35 and 50 metres high.

A small section of the power lines through the Mendips will be underground but campaigners had called for the whole route to be buried out to sea.

A general view of an electricity pylon in the Mendip Hills, Somerset Credit: PA Images

In detail: more about the new pylons

  • Across the Somerset levels T pylons are being used. They are 35 metres or 114 feet high and considerably wider than the existing pylons.

  • Closer to Portishead and Avonmouth lattice-style pylons will be used. They are 50 metres or 164 feet high.

  • The existing pylons stand at 25 metres or 82 feet high.

The MP for Wells James Heappey, who previously said it would be 'unforgivable to despoil Somerset' with overground pylons,said thousands of people in Somerset who opposed the plans had not been listened to.

The power fall-out in Westminster: Our Political Correspondent Bob Constantine looks at what the decision means for Tory MPs in London