A significant initiative to remove miles of pylons and overhead power lines that mar the picturesque views of the Cotswolds has been cancelled after a proposed £180 million project failed to secure funding. Ofgem, the energy regulator, has declined to back National Grid’s plan to place electricity cables underground in the Cotswold National Landscape, a move aimed at safeguarding the area’s natural beauty.
The project intended to replace just under 4.6 miles of visible electricity pylons and overhead cables stretching from Postlip Mill near Winchcombe to the edge of the Cotswold Plateau north of Dowdeswell Reservoir. This would have substantially decreased the impact of energy infrastructure on one of England’s most treasured and protected landscapes.
The Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE), an advocate of the scheme, expressed deep disappointment, stating that Ofgem’s decision disregards widespread public support for burying overhead lines and neglects its responsibility to conserve and enhance protected landscapes.
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Following nearly five years of consultation and investment, CPRE labelled the outcome as a “missed opportunity” to elevate one of the United Kingdom’s most iconic rural vistas, describing the decision as a considerable waste of public funds.
Simon Murray, chairman of CPRE Gloucestershire, commented: “While CPRE acknowledges the financial constraints many families face and the government’s need to manage spending prudently, this decision reflects short-term economic considerations prevailing over broader rural interests.
“The Cotswolds National Landscape is globally renowned for its stunning scenery, attracting hundreds of thousands of tourists annually.
“This project represented a genuine chance to enhance the countryside’s allure by removing the visual intrusion of pylons, following examples set by other countries.
“As a longstanding member of the project’s national Stakeholder Advisory Group since 2014, CPRE has collaborated extensively with National Grid and partners for over a decade to advance this scheme, which enjoyed widespread support.
“Tragically, a great deal of time and money has been expended with no tangible outcome and a valuable opportunity has been lost.”
A National Grid spokesperson confirmed the project will not proceed without Ofgem’s funding and acknowledged the regulator’s final decision to reject the Cotswolds Visual Impact Provision (VIP) scheme.
“The decision underscores Ofgem’s commitment to protecting consumers from unnecessary expenses,” said the spokesperson. “They believe rejecting these proposals is in the billpayers’ best interests, particularly as many grapple with rising living costs.
“We understand this news will disappoint stakeholders, partner organisations, and local communities who have supported the development of the Cotswolds VIP proposals over recent years.
“We sincerely thank local residents, landowners, and everyone involved for their time, input, and support.”
Ofgem has stated that their decision will save households an estimated £180 million amid ongoing cost of living challenges.
“We recognise the difficult balance required when making decisions involving infrastructure in nationally designated landscapes,” an Ofgem spokesperson said. “Our duty is to protect consumers and ensure that any costs passed on through bills are fully justified. In this case, the discretionary nature of the project means it does not represent the best use of consumer money.
“Turning down funding for this project will save consumers approximately £180 million at a time when many face significant financial pressure.”