A proposal to relax existing planning guidelines for Pylons (the Holford Rules) could pose a threat to wild places.
The Holford Rules state that new lines should avoid, if possible, our most special landscapes including: Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONBs), national parks, heritage coasts, world heritage sites and minimise effects on the setting of areas of architectural, historic and archaeological interest including: conservation areas, listed buildings, listed parks and gardens and ancient monuments.
The Holford Rules have worked well since they were introduced in the 1960s and they are an important means of holding the industry to account.
The CPRE is asking the Government to strengthen the planning rules on new electricity pylons, to give better protection for our most precious landscapes. Click here to send an e-card to the Government consultation today. It will only take a minute and must be submitted before the consultation deadline 24 January 2011.
“The decisions that they make will affect the way our country looks for future generations. Anyone who believes that uncluttered rural beauty is a precious asset should let National Grid know” – Terence Blacker, The Independent 21/12/10 (source)
Meanwhile, the National Grid is seeking your views on undergrounding of cables, which provides an alternative to overhead powerlines. Click here to visit their consultation pages.
