A DECISION to suspend a multi-billion pound nuclear plant development has also halted controversial plans for a 20 mile network of overhead pylons on Anglesey.

In September, the National Grid submitted a Design Concent Order (DCO) application to the Planning Inspectorate to connect Anglesey’s proposed Wylfa Newydd nuclear plant and marine energy developments in the Irish Sea to the main electricity network.

But following this morning’s announcement that Hitachi has suspended all development of the nuclear build, the Grid has also confirmed it has followed suit with its North Wales Connection project.

A spokesperson for the National Grid, confirmed: “Following Horizon’s announcement that they are suspending their project, we have also taken the decision to suspended our work on the North Wales Connection project.

“We will continue to keep in close contact with Horizon to understand their plans. We will only develop our proposals if they are needed.”

The project, worth £700m, included a 20 mile line of overhead pylons and provision for a tunnel under the Menai Strait to carry the cables from Cemaes to Pentir near Bangor.

But the plans have proved to be contentious locally, with many fearing the impact that a new row of approximately 100 overhead pylons, each 50 metres in height, could have on tourism and well-being, with a local campaign calling for the cables to be placed underground instead.

In September, the National Grid submitted a Design Concent Order (DCO) application to the Planning Inspectorate  to connect Anglesey’s proposed Wylfa Newydd nuclear plant and marine energy developments in the Irish Sea to the main electricity network.

But following this morning’s announcement that Hitachi has suspended all development of the nuclear build, the Grid has also confirmed it has followed suit with its North Wales Connection project.

A spokesperson for the National Grid, confirmed: “Following Horizon’s announcement that they are suspending their project, we have also taken the decision to suspended our work on the North Wales Connection project.

“We will continue to keep in close contact with Horizon to understand their plans. We will only develop our proposals if they are needed.”

The project, worth £700m, included a 20 mile line of overhead pylons and provision for a tunnel under the Menai Strait to carry the cables from Cemaes to Pentir near Bangor.

But the plans have proved to be contentious locally, with many fearing the impact that a new row of approximately 100 overhead pylons, each 50 metres in height, could have on tourism and well-being, with a local campaign calling for the cables to be placed underground instead.