Overhead Wires Project

"Now over those small hills
they built the concrete
that trails black wire
Pylons those pillars
Bare like nude, giant girls
that have no secret

But far above and far
as site endures
Like whips of anger
With lightning's danger
There runs the quick
perspective of the future"

So wrote Stephen Spender (The Pylon) in 1933 at more or less the same time that Friends of the Lake District began campaigning on overhead lines. Thus it has long been recognised that electricity and telephone overhead wires have a visual impact and detract from a landscape's natural beauty. One of the most important things the countryside gives us is a feeling of tranquillity - getting away from it all to some peace and quiet, big views, fresh air and nature. Open spaces free from man-made clutter such as overhead lines are an important part of this. In addition overhead lines can also spoil village character, particularly in conservation areas and when they impact on village greens.

Researching the subject

In 2003, Friends of the Lake District (FLD) published a report 'A Clear View: Reducing the Impact of Overhead Wires'. This report summarised a research document produced by the UK Centre for Economic and Environmental Development, which assessed the scope for placing overhead lines underground.

Read the full report (2.4 MB)
Read the short report (850(KB)

Since then FLD has been campaigning more actively to reduce the impact of overhead electricity and telephone lines on the landscape and the recommendations of the report are being implemented by Penny Ozanne, a project officer working one and a half days a week.

Countrywide scheme to underground overhead electricity lines in National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs)

This scheme was initiated in 2005 when OFGEM, the body that regulates the electricity market, agreed to provide an allowance for companies that distribute electricity to underground electricity lines in National Parks and AONBs. The allowance will allow up to 1.5% of the network in these areas to be placed underground in the period April 2005 - 2010. There are 7 electricity distribution companies (sometimes referred to as DNOs) in all:

map

Each must consult with their local AONBs and National Parks to decide how best to prioritise the work. FLD is working with the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA), AONBs and United Utilities to ensure the scheme is a success in Cumbria and the northwest. In addition FLD has contacts within each of the other DNOs to help us track progress across the country. Details can be obtained from the FLD office.

What's happening on the ground?

Nearly all the DNOs have taken up the scheme and a number of lines around the country are now being placed underground. In the north west the first line to go under was at Leighton Moss in the Arnside & Silverdale AONB in autumn 2006.

The Silverdale scheme prior to overhead wire removal

The Silverdale scheme after overhead wire removal

Ofgem is keeping the scheme under review, so it is important that the allowance is fully used. Unfortunately Western Power, which distributes electricity across the southwest and south Wales, has made a decision at Board level not to pursue a program of undergrounding overhead wires in their operating area.

Survey tool

An assessment form to prioritise lines to be placed underground for landscape reasons has been developed in cooperation with United Utilities. It helps to identify the most intrusive overhead wires in an area and has been used for this purpose both locally and at locations across the country. It looks at factors such as the number of wires and poles, visibility from footpaths and viewpoints and setting in the local landscape. A score is calculated for each line assessed thus rating its landscape impact. This assessment form is a useful tool in deciding which are in the 'worst' lines in an area - copies can be obtained from the FLD office - or download Visual Amenity Impact Assessment Form (July 2007) (Excel spreadsheet).

A Lake District National Park Authority volunteer who surveyed lines in Martindale near Ullswater (see left) assessed this line using the survey tool. It is a line running south from Christy Bridge and has been prioritised for undergrounding.

Electricity transmission

Transmission is the high voltage network that transfers large quantities of electricity from generators to distribution networks. Though FLD's focus remains with the electricity distribution companies, we do take the opportunity to correspond with Ofgem on transmission issues when appropriate. For example in 2006 FLD responded to the transmission price control review consultation. If you would like a copy of such responses please get in touch with the FLD office.

Telephone Lines

FLD would like to see a similar initiative to that for electricity distribution for the telecommunications industry, but this is proving very difficult. We are talking with both the regulator Ofcom and the main network provider BT Openreach, but it is early days. Watch this space ...

Resources

For more information contact Penny Ozanne on 01539 720788