National Grid has unveiled plans for a £2.8bn project to connect the proposed nuclear power station at Moorside in Cumbria into the electricity network.

The project will include a new 23.4km underground line through the entire western section of the Lake District National Park.

Plans will also include the passing of cables through a 22km tunnel, avoiding the south part of the national park and the removal of many existing pylons owned by the Electricity North West (ENW). Construction of the tunnel is expected to cost £1.2bn.

Project manager Robert Powell said: “We’ve undertaken significant engagement during the six years we have spent developing our plans. We’ve listened very carefully to groups like the Lake District National Park Authority, the National Trust and members of the public on the importance of the national park and other treasured landscapes in Cumbria and Lancashire.

“Balancing the impact of the project on the landscape against its cost has involved making some difficult choices as the cost of building a connection is ultimately passed on to energy bill payers.

“We believe the proposal we are going to consult on over the coming months strikes the best balance. Our consultation will now give people a chance to have their say on the fine detail of the project.”

Consultation on the project starts on 28 October 2016 and ends on 6 January 2017.