A bid to remove overhead pylons from a Gwynedd beauty spot have been formally submitted to council planners.

The National Grid wants to remove 10 of the pylons and replace them with a 3km tunnel under the Dwyryd Estuary in order to reduce the visual impact on the site with sits partially within the Snowdonia National Park.

According to the Grid, the project aims to enhance the landscape from Garth on the edge of Penrhyndeudraeth to Cilfor on the opposite side of the Dwyryd Estuary.

The scheme forms part of the Grid’s £500m Visual Impact Provision (VIP) programme to remove overhead pylons in areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Chris Baines, Chair of the VIP project’s national independent stakeholder advisory group said: “By working with a range of stakeholders at a national and local level, we have a major opportunity to preserve and enhance the landscape across the Dwyryd Estuary.

“Those familiar with this part of the Snowdonia National Park will be aware of the positive impact the removal of the pylons will have on the views across this wonderful place.”

If approved, two new tunnel head houses will give access to the tunnel, and a sealing end compound at the eastern end will connect the cables back to the overhead line.

Work on the project would commence on site in 2021 with construction complete and the pylons removed in 2026.

The section of overhead line, constructed in 1966,  is part of the 400kV electricity route connecting the Pentir substation near Bangor with the former Trawsfynydd Power Station, now a 400kV substation.

Eloise Frank, National Grid VIP Project Manager, concluded: “This is a unique project, in that it’s been stakeholder-driven from the outset. We’ve listened and responded to those who know the area well and have been able to develop a proposal that will significantly enhance the landscape.

“The planning application is a significant milestone and in developing the plans for the tunnel and the associated infrastructure, we have taken on board advice from a variety of local experts, organisations and landowners, as well as the local community in the nearby towns and villages.”