Calls for former HS2 land to be used for 37-mile pylon route

Campaigners are calling for previously safeguarded land in Derbyshire, acquired for HS2 to be used for a planned 37-mile powerline scheme to avoid causing further countryside disruption.

The move raises the possibility that other planned pylon routes could be aligned to existing linear infrastructure such as roads and railways.

Cllr Amanda Paget

This comes after the Government lifted safeguarding from protected land on the former Phase 2b of the HS2 route in July. The route would have stretched from Birmingham to East Midlands Airport, Long Eaton and up through to Chesterfield, along with a servicing depot on the town’s outskirts. Now it will not extend into Derbyshire at all but will make use of the existing Midland Main Line, meaning the safeguarded land for new track is no longer required..

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

National Grid has said it previously looked at the HS2 route but disregarded it due to its passage 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.

A spokesperson for National Grid said: “We explored a variety of route options for the proposed new electricity line between Chesterfield and Willington, which will help move more homegrown, affordable energy to homes and businesses in the Midlands and beyond as demand for electricity grows.. This included the former HS2 corridor, but at the time our initial proposals were developed, this land was not available.

“Our assessments have since shown that much of it passes through densely developed areas, such as residential neighbourhoods, major roads, and sites reserved for other projects, among multiple environmental and technical factors. These restrictions make it unsuitable for new energy infrastructure.

“We’re committed to keeping local communities informed and involved. Early next year, we’ll share updated proposals and provide a clear opportunity for people to give feedback, helping to shape the plans.”

The Department for Transport, which is responsible for releasing the former HS2 land, said that 100 homes were acquired for HS2 through Derbyshire and a disposal programme for these properties will now take place, with the houses to be released onto the open market beginning in 2026.

Cllr Paget has written to National Grid, saying:

“This development marks a critical turning point, as it effectively enables National Grid to revisit and re-evaluate routing and siting options that may have previously been constrained or deemed less viable for your critical infrastructure projects.

“This newfound flexibility presents a unique opportunity for more optimal planning. We have noted (National Grid’s) ‘Corridor Preliminary Routing and Siting Study,’ which referenced Corridor 5a along the M1 corridor.

“While this option was previously assessed and deemed unsuitable, the new circumstances surrounding the release of HS2 land introduce a compelling and entirely different perspective that demands renewed consideration.

“This route, which clearly extends from Chesterfield to Willington, presents a strategic and potentially far less disruptive pathway for the required infrastructure.

“Its investigation and adoption could significantly minimise potential environmental disruption, reduce the visual impact on our cherished landscapes, and, crucially, alleviate the burden on existing communities within our borough who might otherwise face considerable upheaval or displacement.

The Chesterfield to Willington scheme forms part of “The Great Grid Upgrade”. It would be built in six sections. Stage one connects Chesterfield and Stretton, followed by Stretton to Ripley, Ripley to Morley, Morley to Ockbrook, Ockbrook to Aston-on-Trent, and Aston-on-Trent to Willington.

Derbyshire County Council has opposed the plans due to their impact on numerous heritage sites and protected landscapes, including the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site and Hardwick Hall.

National Grid’s Stage Two consultation on the project is scheduled for early 2026.