Overhead wires
Overhead power lines can spoil the magnificent views of the Peak District. For the last couple of years, we've been working with the Peak District National Park Authority identifying overhead power lines suitable for putting underground.
Our first bit of work paid off in 2008 when 2.5 kilometres of high voltage electricity cables between Perryfoot, Eldon Hill and Peak Forest were put underground alongside the road in Perrydale. The result is a real improvement to views of Mam Tor, Rushup Edge and Eldon Hill.
More to come...
We've identified more power lines for putting underground at
- Wheston (near Tideswell)
- Sheldon
- Rowland
- Hope
- between Wardlow Mires and Litton
and hopefully these will get done in 2010.
All the work is paid for using an allowance from the electricity regulator OFGEM. It provides money for utility companies to put unsightly poles and wires underground in scenic areas like national parks. The need for the allowance was strongly supported by electricity customers and nearly £2 million has been allocated for the Peak District between 2005 - 2010.
We are working in close partnership with Electricity North West, Unitied Utilities Electriciy Services, Central Electric-Yorkshire Electricity and Central Networks East (E.ON) on the longer-term programme. The current allowance runs out this year, but along with the Campaign for National Parks and Friends of the Lake District, we've successfully lobbied OFGEM to continue the scheme until at least 2015.
To find out more, please get in touch with Andy Tickle.
