Overhead power lines to be removed from the South downs
More than 30 Kilometres of overhead lower voltage power cables are being removed from the South Downs between 2009 and 2010. The work is being carried out by contractors on behalf of EDF Energy and Scottish & Southern Energy and has been funded as the result of an allowance granted by industry regulator Ofgem through their price control review of electricity spending levels for 2005-2010.
Powerlines due to be removed in East Hampshire
The South Downs consist of two Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a National designation for landscapes of the highest level of scenic beauty. The removal of visually intrusive power lines will therefore result in a significant enhancement to these areas.
Sites selected for ‘undergrounding’ include lines around Butser Ancient Farm in Hampshire, the Adur Valley in West Sussex and Bishopstone and Birling Gap in East Sussex.
Replacement cables are buried underground and the networks reconnected prior to the removal of poles and other overhead equipment.
Funding for the current scheme has been exhausted, but it is hoped that Ofgem may grant a second allowance for the 2010-2015 period. An announcement from Ofgem regarding this allowance is expected in mid-2009.
With this in mind, the South Downs Joint Committee would welcome suggestions of lines for potential future consideration.
If you have any suggestions for power lines which you think should be considered for placing underground, then please send them to us using the online suggestions form.
Alternatively you can also download the form below and either email it to nbelderson@southdowns-aonb.gov.uk or send it by post to:
Nat Belderson
South Downs Joint Committee
Victorian Barn
Victorian Business Centre
Ford Lane,
Ford,
Arundel
West Sussex BN18 0EF
Undergrounding powerlines suggestion form (word version) (MS Word Document)
Please bear in mind the following points when suggesting a route:
- The route must be within either the Sussex Downs AONB or the East Hampshire AONB
- Higher voltage lines on metal pylons are unlikely to be suitable due to the cost. National Grid lines cannot be included in the current scheme. Telephone lines are also not included, so there is less benefit in undergrounding when a route is shared as the poles need to be retained for the telephone lines.
- Road, rail and river crossings can be very expensive.
- The line should be in countryside rather than a built up area, and placing it underground must benefit the wider landscape.
- Ideally the line should have defined start and end points.
For more information contact Nat Belderson on 01243 558700 or email nbelderson@southdowns-aonb.gov.uk
