Four projects prioritised under Visual Impact Provision scheme

National Grid to remove transmission lines from protected landscapes

A new landmark stage has been reached in plans to reduce the visual impact of electricity infrastructure in nationally protected landscapes across England and Wales.

The Visual Impact Provision scheme independently chaired Stakeholder Advisory Group has chosen four projects which will receive priority. These four projects will be taken forward over the next 12 months for detailed feasibility works, which will include environmental studies, archaeological studies and engineering work ‘on the ground’.

Engagement with local stakeholders and communities will also be taken forward.

The schemes prioritised are:

• Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Winterbourne Abbas
• New Forest National Park near Hale
• Peak District National Park near Dunford Bridge
• Snowdonia National Park near Porthmadog

In November 2014, 12 sections of high voltage lines in eight Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs) and National Parks were shortlisted as having the most significant landscape and visual impact, following a study overseen by leading landscape expert Professor Carys Swanwick.

With a £500M allowance made available from Ofgem until 2021, National Grid has taken the step to reduce the visual impact it has on the countryside, with a range of different ways considered in each location.

Replacing the overhead lines with underground cables is the preferred option at many of the sites following technical discussions and discussions with local stakeholders.

The project’s guiding principles are to prioritise potential projects which:

• Result in greatest landscape enhancement benefits
• Result in greatest opportunities to conserve and enhance natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage, whilst avoiding unacceptable environmental impacts
• Result in greatest opportunities to encourage public understanding and enjoyment of the protected landscapes, including positive socio-economic impacts
• Are technically feasible in the context of the wider transmission system
• Are economical and efficient

Chris Baines, Chair of the Stakeholder Advisory Group, said: “Reducing the visual impact of pylons and power lines in our most precious landscapes is highly desirable, but it is also very expensive and technically complex so we have had to make some difficult decisions. Although four schemes have been prioritised, none of the locations on our original shortlist have been dropped and they will remain under consideration for future work to reduce the impact of National Grid’s transmission lines under the Visual Impact Provision project.”

Hector Pearson, Visual Impact Provision Project Manager, National Grid, comments: “This is a unique stakeholder-driven project, and it continues to represent a major opportunity to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife, cultural and environmental heritage of some Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks. We will continue to work in partnership with stakeholders to not only mitigate the impact of our transmission lines in these areas but to also enhance the landscape, and deliver value for money.”

The Stakeholder Advisory Group is chaired by environmentalist, Chris Baines and comprises senior representatives from organisations including the Campaign for National Parks, Campaign to Protect Rural England, Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales, Historic England, Cadw, Natural England and the National Trust. It was established to help National Grid identify which transmission lines should be prioritised to make use of the £500M.

A further initiative for smaller landscape enhancement projects is set for winter launch.

This landscape enhancement initiative will to provide up to £24M over six years. The aim will be to reduce the visual impact of National Grid’s existing infrastructure in AONBs and National Parks and improve the related visual quality of the landscape. A range of local visual improvement projects could enhance biodiversity, benefit cultural heritage or raise awareness of natural and historic features of a landscape.

 

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