Hinkley Point C pylon project could be delayed by three years

National Grid said the application followed five years of consultation

Plans to erect more than 140 pylons connecting Hinkley Point to Avonmouth could be delayed by up to three years.

National Grid wants to install overhead electricity lines from the new proposed nuclear power station, Hinkley C.

The pylons were due to be installed by October 2019, if approved, but at the start of a six-month inquiry the date has been pushed back to October 2022.

The Planning Inspectorate is due to make a recommendation on the plans to the Secretary of State in the summer.

The National Grid plans were submitted in May 2014. A company spokesman previously said it had taken "five years of consultation".

It will see 30-miles of overhead wires carried on pylons and a five-mile section under the Mendips, connecting the station, near Bridgwater, Somerset, to the National Grid's 400,000 volt substation at Avonmouth.

It would also see the removal of 246 pylons and 42 miles of older cabling between Bridgwater and Avonmouth, and Nailsea.

Those against the pylons argue the entire route should be underground or sub-sea - but National Grid had previously said this option would be too expensive.