Could safeguarded HS2 land through county be reused for pylon scheme?

HOPES LAND EARMARKED FOR HS2 COULD BE UTILISED FOR ELECTRICITY NETWORK

- By EDDIE BISKNELL Local democracy reporter

CAMPAIGNERS are calling for previously safeguarded Derbyshire land seized for HS2 to be used for a planned 37-mile powerline scheme instead of further countryside disruption.

This comes after the Government recently lifted safeguarding from protected land on the former Phase 2b of the HS2 route - which had been due to stretch through Derbyshire - in July.

The route would have stretched from Birmingham to East Midlands Airport, Long Eaton and up through the length of Derbyshire to Chesterfield along with a servicing depot on the town outskirts.

Now the route will not extend into Derbyshire at all but make use of the existing Midland Mainline, meaning the safeguarded land for new track is no longer required.

Derbyshire campaigners, including Amber Valley Borough Council’s Cllr Amanda Paget, say this would be a prime chance to use the land for the National Grid’s planned new 37-mile pylon route from Chesterfield, round Derby, to Willington.

The National Grid has said it previously looked at the HS2 route but disregarded it due to its travel through densely developed areas and major roads.

Its current pylon route includes extensive stretches through the open countryside, passing close to villages, including Morley, and heritage sites.