Concerns have been raised over the environmental impact of a National Grid proposal for a new power line between North Tawton and Alverdiscott.

Many residents attended a seminar at the end of last month, hosted by the Devon branch of the CPRE (Campaign to Protect Rural England), to hear more about the proposal, which could see a 35km electricity line built across the countryside, and voice their concerns over its potential impact on the local wildlife and nearby properties.

Electricity in the area is currently supplied via a 132kV circuit between the two towns but the National Grid wants to double the electricity supply by constructing a second 132kV line from Alverdiscott to North Tawton, with a second transformer added to North Tawton’s substation.

The electricity provider has said the project would increase capacity up to 272Mw, provide homes and businesses with a more reliable electricity supply and ensure there is a back-up line if one fails or needs servicing.

A National Grid Electricity Distribution spokesperson said: “This is a vital investment in central Devon’s electricity network. Demand for electricity is growing as new homes and businesses develop, and more people move to technologies such as electric vehicles and heat pumps.

“By strengthening the network now, we can help secure reliable electricity supplies for almost 49,000 homes, farms and businesses and make sure the network has the capacity the area will need for decades to come.”

However, West Devon residents are concerned that they are being overlooked in the decision-making process and are also worried over the development’s potential impact on nearby properties and the possibility of serious disruption during the construction phase.

Devon CPRE chairman Steve Crowther, who addressed the meeting, said: “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.”

Sue Davies, county councillor for Hatherleigh and Chagford, has written to the National Grid’s agents Fisher German to propose a public meeting to discuss this development as part of the public consultation. No date has yet been agreed but it is hoped that the meeting will take place early next year.

She said: “We very much welcome the efforts of National Grid to address the resilience of electrical supply in Devon, however we do want to ensure that all options and innovations are considered, and that the best option for Devon residents is chosen. I am working with CPRE Devon, who have a long history of campaigning to protect our rural environment. My aim is to ensure that the Devon landscape is protected physically and visually, and that the eventual supply line is the very best option it can be.”

If approved, construction is expected to begin in 2030.