VISUAL IMPACT PROVISION
Fourth Annual Report June 2017 – May 2018 Visual Impact Provision Fourth Annual Report – June 2017 – May 2018
Chairman of the Stakeholder Advisory Contents Foreword by Chris Baines Group Visual Impact Provision project
Choosing to remove major structures from four of the most sensitive landscapes in Britain is extremely challenging, but the Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) continues to enjoy a close and creative working relationship with the technical experts in National Grid. This has been Foreword by Chris Baines 01 another year of listening and learning and we have made solid progress.
Foreword by Michelle Clark 01 Whilst the initial site selection relied on objective that VIP will be approved for implementation. landscape analysis and the judgement of SAG members are already in discussions with 01 Visual Impact Provision 02 the SAG’s national experts, the refinement National Grid and Ofgem about a repeat of the of proposals has been greatly influenced by VIP programme in the next financial period. 02 Working with stakeholders 03 local ecologists, archaeologists, countryside managers, elected politicians, community leaders The Landscape Enhancement Initiative – VIP’s 2.1 Stakeholder Advisory Group 03 and others who know the specific landscapes provision of grants for local practical action intimately. We are seeing strong support for the – is already delivering improvements on the 2.2 Stakeholder Advisory Group activities 04 thoroughness of this consultation process. It is ground and there are more applications in influencing thinking among all the stakeholders the pipeline. The challenge now is to attract 2.3 Wider stakeholder engagement and empowerment 04 and deserves to be adopted more widely. many more proposals through the National Parks and AONBs from organisations such 2.4 Review of the VIP policy 05 Landscape improvement on the scale of Visual as the Woodland Trust, the RSPB, the Impact Provision (VIP) requires very careful Wildlife Trusts and the National Trust. 2.5 VIP in RIIO-T2 – the next price control period 05 consideration but there is a real prospect of some of our most iconic and popular landscapes being Finally, I want to thank the SAG and senior 03 Our four VIP projects 06 improved immeasurably in the very near future. colleagues in National Grid and Ofgem for As each of the schemes progresses through their exceptional support. Their dependable 3.1 Dorset AONB 07 the formal planning process, I am optimistic personal commitment is a core strength of VIP. 3.2 New Forest National Park 10
3.3 Peak District National Park 13
3.4 Snowdonia National Park 16 Visual Impact Provision Foreword by Michelle Clark project manager, National Grid 04 Landscape Enhancement Initiative 19
4.1 About the Landscape Enhancement Initiative 19 The VIP project is unique in the scale of its ambition to reduce the 4.2 Progress to date 20 landscape and visual impact of electricity transmission infrastructure.
4.3 Future application windows 21 When I became VIP project manager following Accordingly, our goal remains to maximise the Hector Pearson’s retirement at the end of potential of Ofgem’s £500 million provision not 2017, our stakeholders’ determination and only through the schemes proposed in Dorset, the enthusiasm to embrace this exceptional New Forest, the Peak District and Snowdonia, but opportunity was immediately apparent. through the many smaller projects already benefitting Their ongoing commitment augurs very well from Landscape Enhancement Initiative funding. for VIP both now and into the future. With its potential now being transformed into I am certain that Hector will continue to follow tangible benefits, there is also growing excitement the project closely and thank him on behalf of about what could be achieved in RIIO-T2, National Grid and the project’s stakeholders for our next regulatory period. Our Stakeholder his drive, dedication and sound judgement. Advisory Group has unanimously supported continuing the project, and we are exploring with It was encouraging to see the project’s founding them what VIP might look like beyond 2021. principles ratified this year following a stakeholder- led review. After consultation with eligible AONB VIP has always been a forward-looking Partnerships, National Park Authorities and endeavour, and we remain united in our wider stakeholders, our VIP policy was endorsed commitment to enhancing our treasured with only minor updates and amendments. landscapes for generations to come.
01 Visual Impact Provision Fourth Annual Report – June 2017 – May 2018
01: Visual Impact Provision 02: Working with stakeholders
National Grid’s Visual Impact Provision At National Grid, we are passionate about Stakeholders hold the key to the success of the VIP project; their views are vital in helping (VIP) project is proposing to replace playing our part in conserving and enhancing us to make decisions on how we should use the provision to maximise its potential benefits. existing overhead transmission lines with the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage As well as seeking the views of a wide variety of local stakeholders including local groups, underground solutions in four nationally of the landscape. Our aim is to achieve the communities and landowners, a national Stakeholder Advisory Group was established in 2014 important landscapes in England and maximum enhancement to the landscape from to guide decision-making on the project. Wales, with the aim of helping to reduce the available funds whilst ensuring that no the visual impact of electricity transmission significant adverse impacts arise as a result. infrastructure. Our four projects are To ensure that this aim is achieved, we are 2.1 Stakeholder Advisory Group in the Dorset Area of Outstanding working closely with our Stakeholder Advisory Natural Beauty (AONB), New Forest Group, which we set up at the start of the project The VIP project’s Stakeholder Advisory Group is and Wales, as well as Ofgem and National Grid National Park, Peak District National in 2014 to advise us on the evaluation and chaired by leading environmentalist Chris Baines itself. They advise the project on key decisions as Park and Snowdonia National Park. selection of the projects proposed for delivery. and is comprised of senior representatives of well as the most effective ways to engage with organisations dedicated to conserving and local stakeholders. There is a £500m Ofgem1 provision to carry out This fourth annual report records our progress enhancing the landscape throughout England this work in English and Welsh AONBs, National and key activities in delivering the four projects Parks and Scottish National Scenic Areas. and LEI scheme between June 2017 and National Grid is making use of this provision as May 2018. It builds on progress detailed in the electricity transmission owner in England our three previous annual reports. To read and Wales. The provision also provides for them, or to find out more about how the four Stakeholder Advisory Group members: our Landscape Enhancement Initiative (LEI), a prioritised projects were selected, please visit grant scheme for smaller local improvement our website, www.nationalgrid.com/VIP. projects open to all 30 AONBs and National Parks which contain or are impacted by National Grid overhead transmission lines.
Project statistics
National Parks England • 571km of National Grid electricity transmission line in AONBs and National Parks assessed £500M • 30 AONBs and National Parks in England and Wales included in PROVISION the project TO BENEFIT • 53.7km of line in 12 sections within NATIONAL PARKS, eight protected areas = highest impact • Four sections of overhead line AONBs prioritised for undergrounding AND NATIONAL SCENIC AREAS • Landscape Enhancement Initiative = funding of up to £200,000 per local visual improvement project
1. Ofgem is the electricity and markets regulator in the United Kingdom
02 03 Visual Impact Provision Fourth Annual Report – June 2017 – May 2018
2.2 Stakeholder Advisory Group activities 2.4 Review of the VIP policy
During 2017/18 the Stakeholder Advisory Group met Below is an overview of the key activities and National Grid published its VIP policy2 in 2013 to and National Parks and Stakeholder Reference twice. The minutes of these meetings are available issues considered by the group over the past year. set out how we propose to make use of the £500m Group members. It concluded that the policy on our website, www.nationalgrid.com/VIP. provision made available by Ofgem. It contains the is still fit for purpose and does not require any five guiding principles that underpin the decision- substantive revision. However, some minor making on the project to ensure fairness and balance. updates to the policy were made, such as Stakeholder Advisory Main items of discussion As per our commitment in the policy, we reviewed it updating weblinks to background and supporting Group meeting in 2017 to ensure that it remains fit for purpose. documents. This updated version of the VIP policy, dated December 2017, is available on our website, 10th meeting • Progress updates on the four prioritised projects including an overview of The review was carried out in consultation with the www.nationalgrid.com/VIP, along with a more 6 November 2017 technical work and local stakeholder and community engagement Stakeholder Advisory Group and wider stakeholders detailed summary of the review process. Held in Birmingham • Review of the planning application and Ofgem funding submission for the including representatives from the eligible AONBs Dorset VIP project • Update on applications to the LEI scheme 2.5 VIP in RIIO-T2 – the next price control period • Update from the Scottish transmission owners on their initiatives in Scotland • Review of the VIP policy and consider updates Ofgem’s £500m VIP provision is part of the current The main discussion points included: regulatory period, known as RIIO-T13, which runs 11th meeting • Progress updates on the four prioritised projects including an overview of to the end of March 2021. With three years of • Unanimous support for continuing the VIP 22 February 2018 technical work and local stakeholder and community engagement RIIO-T1 left, National Grid is beginning to shape project into RIIO-T2 Held in Birmingham • Update on applications to the LEI scheme its plans for the next regulatory period (RIIO-T2) for • Maintaining and building on the existing • Review of current SAG membership and wider engagement Ofgem’s consideration. The plans, developed with approach, with scope to broaden it through • Generation and discussion of ideas for the future of the VIP project in the next stakeholders, will include suggestions for what VIP consideration of other important landscapes, Ofgem price control period (RIIO-T2) could look like in the future. such as World Heritage sites As part of the eleventh SAG meeting in February • Support for closer collaboration between National 2018, we held a workshop for stakeholders to Grid and the Distribution Network Operators explore lessons learned so far from the current VIP • Exploring opportunities for innovation in the LEI 2.3 Wider stakeholder engagement and empowerment project and share ideas for its future. scheme, such as new surface coatings and camouflage for pylons Throughout the year, we have worked with our The two companies that own the Scottish Stakeholder Reference Groups in each of the transmission network are developing their project areas. These groups, established at own projects to use the Ofgem provision. the beginning of the project, are attended by They attended the tenth Stakeholder Advisory representatives of the relevant AONB Partnership Group meeting in November 2017 to discuss or National Park Authority and local technical their progress. By sharing our knowledge and 10/01/18 stakeholders. They provide vital information and experiences with them, we are seeking to ensure 7 APPLIED FOR £1.6m advice to inform project development. that the potential benefits are maximised across England, Scotland and Wales. STAKEHOLDER DORSET IN LEI FUNDING Each prioritised project also has its own REFERENCE PLANNING ALLOCATED dedicated website so that local stakeholders and Benjamin Graham, award-winning Landscape GROUP MEETINGS PERMISSION interested parties can keep abreast of the latest Photographer of the Year, was commissioned to developments. More details and a summary of the capture the pylons targeted for removal in the four Stakeholder Reference Group members for each priority areas to demonstrate the potential of the area are available in the project summaries. VIP project. His photographs are used throughout this report. We have also shared project information, updates and documentation on our project website www.nationalgrid.com/VIP to keep stakeholders and the public up-to-date as the project progresses.
2. Our Visual Impact Provision policy can be found on our website www.nationalgrid.com/VIP 3. To find out more about the RIIO regulatory framework please visit our website: https://www.nationalgrid.com/uk/about-grid/how-we-are-regulated/riio-regulatory-framework
04 05 Visual Impact Provision Fourth Annual Report – June 2017 – May 2018
03: Our four VIP projects Dorset AONB
Our four major Visual Impact Provision During 2017/18, we have continued to make good The Dorset AONB project would replace projects aim to enhance some of the progress on the four prioritised projects, building 8.8km of overhead line near Dorchester with most beautiful landscapes in England and on work undertaken previously. This has been an underground cable, permanently removing Wales by replacing National Grid overhead informed by technical and engineering design 22 pylons from the landscape. transmission lines with underground work as well as discussions with stakeholders, solutions, while avoiding unacceptable landowners and communities. The following pages The preferred route for the underground cable runs environmental impacts and balancing provide a progress update on each of the projects from Winterbourne Abbas to the edge of the South technical deliverability and cost. as well as a look ahead to activities planned for Dorset Escarpment at Friar Waddon. To connect 2018/19. the cable to the remaining existing overhead We are doing this through a transparent process line, sealing end compounds and associated which is led by the Stakeholder Advisory Group, terminal pylons would need to be constructed at drawing on input from technical experts, local Winterbourne Abbas and Friar Waddon Hill. stakeholders and communities. The VIP project is supported by National Grid’s project team and Current route option as of May 2018 external specialist advisors.
Dorchester
OUR FOUR VIP PROJECTS Weymouth
SNOWDONIA PEAK DISTRICT NATIONAL PARK NATIONAL PARK Around 3km of Around 2km of undergrounding, undergrounding, removing 10 pylons removing 7 pylons
DORSET AONB NEW FOREST Around 8.8km of NATIONAL PARK undergrounding, Around 3km of removing 22 pylons undergrounding, removing 8 pylons
Indicative underground cable route corridor Existing National Grid overhead line (retained) Existing National Grid line proposed for removal New National Grid underground cable New National Grid overhead line landscape with pylons Existing National Grid pylon Proposed Sealing End Compound
06 07 Visual Impact Provision Fourth Annual Report – June 2017 – May 2018
Dorset AONB Dorset AONB
Progress to date Looking forward
Over the past year, we worked to prepare our The SAG reviewed and endorsed the planning Subject to all necessary negotiations, We will continue to work with the local planning application for the Dorset project, which application for the Dorset project at its meeting approvals and consents, the current indicative community and our stakeholders throughout the has now been submitted to West Dorset District in November 2017. We submitted the planning programme is that on-site works will begin construction phase to ensure that the project Council. This involved detailed technical studies, application to West Dorset District Council in in 2019 and take approximately three years achieves the greatest possible enhancement of discussions with stakeholders and landowners January 2018 and a decision is expected in to complete. It is anticipated that by 2022 the landscape. We have developed a plan to as well as the completion of an environmental summer 2018. We also submitted a request the new underground cable will be in service keep the public informed of progress including assessment for the project to ensure that we avoid to the Department for Business, Energy and and that the existing pylons and section of the installation of information boards in key or minimise any adverse environmental impacts. Industrial Strategy under Section 37 of the overhead line will have been removed. areas such as Hardy’s Monument. Electricity Act 1989 for consent to replace a The locations of the two sealing end compounds short section of line to connect to the new Project information, updates and needed to connect the cable to the remaining sealing end compound north of the A35. documentation will continue to be shared overhead line have been confirmed. One will through our Dorset project website: be located north of the A35 at Winterbourne In April 2018, we applied to Ofgem for funding http://dorset.nationalgrid.co.uk. Abbas and the other to the south of Friar to be released for the Dorset project. The Waddon Hill, close to the disused railway application included details of the project, line. In identifying these locations, we have its development and benefits, stakeholder investigated options, undertaken environmental engagement and the delivery programme. STAKEHOLDER REFERENCE and engineering studies and held discussions The tendering process for the main contractor with landowners and stakeholders to develop GROUP MEMBERS to deliver the project was launched in June landscaping and planting schemes to reduce 2017. A preferred bidder has been identified the visual impact of these structures. to carry out the construction works should We held two public consultation events in July the planning application be approved and 2017 before submitting the planning application. the project funding confirmed by Ofgem. These events gave people the opportunity to Two Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) meetings comment on the details of the project including were held in Dorset in 2017/18. Members of the environmental mitigation, traffic management Dorset SRG include representatives from the and project phasing. The events were held in Dorset AONB Partnership, West Dorset District Martinstown and Winterbourne Abbas and were Council, Dorset County Council, Natural England, attended by nearly 100 members of the public, Historic England and the Environment Agency. including local residents and business owners, community groups, affected landowners and We have liaised with Historic England and Dorset representatives from Dorset County Council, County Council to understand the potential for West Dorset District Council, Winterbourne archaeological discoveries in the project area. Abbas and Winterbourne Steepleton Parish As a result, we have agreed to excavate 150 Council and Chesil Bank Parish Council. The archaeological trial trenches to better inform our vast majority of comments received through plans. This work is expected to start in summer feedback forms were supportive of the project. 2018 should the planning application be approved.
08 09 Visual Impact Provision Fourth Annual Report – June 2017 – May 2018
New Forest National Park New Forest National Park
The New Forest National Park project would replace a 3km section of overhead line near Progress to date Hale with an underground cable, permanently removing eight pylons from the landscape. Discussions with stakeholders on the preferred Work is continuing with stakeholders and route for the underground cable have continued environmental restoration specialists to mitigate The preferred route for the underground cable during 2017/18. Due to the highly sensitive the impact of the project’s construction on runs north of Hale Purlieu between Stricklands ecology of the area and engineering constraints, the landscape, wildlife and livestock and so Plantation and Pound Bottom. To connect the the cable route identified initially has been that comprehensive restoration is achieved. cable to the remaining existing overhead line, a revised. The route now deviates to the north to A phased programme of work is being sealing end compound and associated terminal avoid crossing the most sensitive section of the developed to ensure that work on the Purlieu is pylon would be needed at Stricklands Plantation mire in the valley to the west of Hale Purlieu. This staggered throughout the construction phase. and Pound Bottom Quarry. was provisionally endorsed by the Stakeholder This will allow for the free and safe movement Overview Reference Group (SRG) in February 2018 of livestock across the Purlieu throughout the Current route option as of May 2018 (nb a revised route was adopted in July 2018) and we are in the process of informing wider project’s construction, keeping restrictions on stakeholders and the local community about livestock grazing and recreation to a minimum. the latest proposals. Two Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) Contains OS data © Crown Copyright and database right 2017 The locations of the two sealing end compounds meetings were held in the New Forest in Legend needed to connect the cable to the remaining 2017/18. Members of the New Forest SRG Sealing end compound (SEC) Search area allocated for temporary site compound Planning application/site boundary - permanent and overhead line have been identified following include representatives from the New Forest temporary works Indicative cable route centreline discussions with stakeholders and landowners. National Park Authority, National Trust, Natural Overhead Line (Removed) Overhead Line (Retained) ! Pylon (Removed) One will be located at Stricklands Plantation in England, Forestry Commission, the Verderers of ! Pylon (Retained) the west and the other at Pound Bottom Quarry the New Forest and the Environment Agency. in the east.
Ongoing detailed environmental and ecological Overview Notes Overview Overview surveys have confirmed the presence of three Overview 1. Route positions are shown indicatively Overview 2. NGTP 500 (UKBP) Stage 4.3 drawing - Development stage only Overview specially protected species of bird: the Dartford
4YB058 ! warbler, the nightjar and the woodlark. Based 4YB059 4YB060 4YB061 4YB062 4YB063 4YB064 ! ! ! 4YB065 4YB066 ! ! ! ! ! 4YB067 on the outcome of these surveys and advice ! 4YB069 Source: Tower and overhead line: National Grid, 2015. 4YB068 ! ! REPRODUCED FROM ORDNANCE SURVEY MAPS, BY PERMISSION OF from Natural England, it was concluded that the THE ORDNANCE SURVEY ON BEHALF OF THE CONTROLLER OF HER MAJESTY'S STATIONARY OFFICE. © CROWN COPYRIGHT ORDNANCE SURVEY. OS LICENCE NO. 100024241 project has the potential to have an adverse effect Contains OS data © Crown Contains OS data © Crown on these birds. We will therefore be pursuing an ContainsCopyright OS and data database © Crown right 2017 SEC outlines revised. Site boundary ContainsCopyright OS and data database © Crown right 2017 01 revised at western SEC. Draft stamp SJG JW JRR 11/05/2018 ContainsCopyright OS and data database © Crown right 2017 removed ‘Imperative Reasons of Overriding Public Interest’ Legend CopyrightContains OS and data database © Crown right 2017 Legend Copyright and database right 2017 00 First issue. For discussion SJG JW JRR 12/04/2018 Legend Copyright and database right 2017 Rev Description Cre'd Chk'd App'd Date (IROPI) case under the European Habitats Legend SealingSealing end compoundend compound (SEC) (SEC) Legend Sealing end compound (SEC) Legend SealingSearch areaend compoundallocated for (SEC) temporary site compound SearchSealingSearch areaend areacompoundallocated allocated for (SEC) temporary for site temporary compound site compound Directive to seek approval for the project. SearchPlanningSealing areaend application/site compoundallocated for (SEC) boundary temporary - permanentsite compound and temporaryPlanningSearchSealing areaend application/site works compoundallocated for (SEC) boundary temporary - permanentsite compound and temporaryPlanningSearchPlanning area application/site works allocated application/site for boundary temporary - permanentsiteboundary compound and - permanent and temporary works PlanningSearchtemporary area application/site works allocated for boundary temporary - permanentsite compound and PlanningtemporaryIndicative application/site cable works route centreline boundary - permanent and Indicativetemporary cable works route centreline Master Scheme No: Sub-Scheme No: Site: IndicativeOverheadtemporaryPlanningIndicative application/site cable Lineworks (Removed) cableroute centreline routeboundary centreline - permanent and OverheadIndicativetemporary cable Lineworks (Removed) route centreline 33493 33493 New Forest OverheadIndicativeOverhead cableLine (Removed)(Retained) routeLine centreline (Removed) OverheadIndicative cableLine (Retained)(Removed) route centreline Scheme Name: ! OverheadPylon (Removed) Line (Retained)(Removed) 400kV Visual Impact Provision - New Forest ! PylonOverheadOverhead (Removed) Line (Retained)(Removed) Line (Retained) ! PylonOverhead (Removed)(Retained) Line (Retained) PylonOverhead (Retained) Line (Retained) ! Pylon (Retained)(Removed) Document Title: ! PylonPylon (Retained)(Removed) (Removed) ! Pylon (Retained)(Removed) ! Pylon (Retained) ! PylonPylon (Retained) (Retained) Construction Phase Plan
Created by: Date: Checked by: Date: Approved by: Date: S. Goode 12/04/2018 J. Weeks 12/04/2018 J. Richards 12/04/2018 Development Eng: Document Type: Scale: Format: Sheet(s): Rev: C. Hawkins DR 1:12,500 A3 1 of 7 01 National Grid Document Number: Notes Contains OS data © Crown Copyright and database right 2017 PDD-33493-LAY-039 Notes FEED Document Number: © Mott MacDonaldNotes Ltd. This document is issued for the party which commissioned it and for specific purposes connected with the captioned project only. It should not be relied upon by any other party or used for any other purpose. Kilometers MMD-362981-C-DR-NF-LAY-0039 We accept no responsibility1.Notes Route for the positions consequences of arethis document shown being relied indicatively upon by any other party, or being used for any other purpose, or containing any error or omission which is due to an error or omission in data supplied to use by other parties. 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 1.Notes Route positions are shown indicatively [ P:\Bristol\BNI\3637612.1.Notes NGTPRoute NG VIP\GIS\Drawings\Working positions500 (UKBP) areDrawings\MMD_362981_C_DR_NF_LAY_0039.mxd Stageshown 4.3 indicatively drawing - Development stage only 2.1. NGTPRoute positions500 (UKBP) are Stageshown 4.3 indicatively drawing - Development stage only 1.2. RouteNGTP positions500 (UKBP) are Stageshown 4.3 indicatively drawing - Development stage only 1.2. RouteNGTP positions500 (UKBP) are Stageshown 4.3 indicatively drawing - Development stage only 2. NGTP 500 (UKBP) Stage 4.3 drawing - Development stage only 2.1. NGTPRoute positions500 (UKBP) are Stageshown 4.3 indicatively drawing - Development stage only 2. NGTP 500 (UKBP) Stage 4.3 drawing - Development stage only 4YB058 DRAFT 4YB058 DRAFT !4YB058 4YB059 DRAFT ! 4YB060 4YB061 4YB062 4YB063 For IndicativeDRAFT Purposes Only !4YB058 4YB059 4YB060 4YB061 4YB064 4YB065 For IndicativeDRAFT Purposes Only 4YB058 !4YB059 !4YB060 !4YB061 4YB062 4YB063 4YB064 4YB065 4YB066 For IndicativeDRAFT Purposes Only !4YB058 ! ! 4YB061 !4YB062 !4YB063 ! !4YB065 4YB066 For Indicative Purposes Only ! !4YB059 !4YB060 !4YB061 ! ! !4YB064 4YB065 !4YB066 ! 4YB059 !4YB060 !4YB061 4YB062 4YB063 !4YB064 ! ! 4YB067 For Indicative Purposes Only !4YB059 !4YB060 !4YB062 !4YB063 !4YB064 !4YB065 !4YB066 4YB067 4YB069 Source: TowerFor and overhead Indicative line: National Grid, Purposes 2015. Only ! ! !4YB061 !4YB062 !4YB063 !4YB064 4YB065 !4YB066 ! 4YB068 4YB069 Source: TowerFor and overhead Indicative line: National Grid, Purposes 2015. Only ! ! ! ! ! !4YB065 !4YB066 !4YB067 4YB069! Source: Tower and overhead line: National Grid, 2015. ! ! ! ! ! ! !4YB067 !4YB068 4YB069! Source: Tower and overhead line: National Grid, 2015. ! ! !4YB067 4YB068 4YB069! Source:REPRODUCED Tower and overheadFROM ORDNANCEline: National Grid, SURVEY 2015. MAPS, BY PERMISSION OF ! !4YB067 ! 4YB069! Source: Tower and overhead line: National Grid, 2015. ! !4YB068 THEREPRODUCED ORDNANCE FROM SURVEY ORDNANCE ON BEHALF SURVEY OF THE MAPS, CONTROLLER BY PERMISSION OF HER OF ! 4YB068 4YB069! Source:REPRODUCED Tower and overheadFROM ORDNANCEline: National Grid, SURVEY 2015. MAPS, BY PERMISSION OF !4YB068 REPRODUCEDMAJESTY'STHE ORDNANCE STATIONARY FROM SURVEY ORDNANCE OFFICE.ON BEHALF SURVEY© CROWN OF THE MAPS, COPYRIGHT CONTROLLER BY PERMISSION ORDNANCE OF HER OF ! ! MAJESTY'SREPRODUCEDTHE ORDNANCE STATIONARY FROM SURVEY ORDNANCE OFFICE.ON BEHALF SURVEY© CROWN OF THE MAPS, COPYRIGHT CONTROLLER BY PERMISSION ORDNANCE OF HER OF ! THESURVEY.MAJESTY'S ORDNANCE OS STATIONARY LICENCE SURVEY NO. OFFICE.100024241ON BEHALF © CROWN OF THE COPYRIGHT CONTROLLER ORDNANCE OF HER THEMAJESTY'SREPRODUCED ORDNANCE STATIONARY FROM SURVEY ORDNANCE OFFICE.ON BEHALF SURVEY© CROWN OF THE MAPS, COPYRIGHT CONTROLLER BY PERMISSION ORDNANCE OF HER OF MAJESTY'SSURVEY. OS STATIONARY LICENCE NO. OFFICE.100024241 © CROWN COPYRIGHT ORDNANCE MAJESTY'SSURVEY.THE ORDNANCE OS STATIONARY LICENCE SURVEY NO. OFFICE.100024241ON BEHALF © CROWN OF THE COPYRIGHT CONTROLLER ORDNANCE OF HER SURVEY. OS LICENCE NO. 100024241 SURVEY.MAJESTY'S OS STATIONARY LICENCE NO. OFFICE.100024241 © CROWN COPYRIGHT ORDNANCE SURVEY. OS LICENCE NO. 100024241 10 11 00 First issue. For discussion SJG JW JRR 12/04/2018 00 First issue. For discussion SJG JW JRR 12/04/2018 00RevFirst Description issue. For discussion Cre'dSJG Chk'dJWApp'd JRR 12/04/2018Date 00RevFirst Description issue. For discussion Cre'dSJG Chk'dJWApp'd JRR 12/04/2018Date 00RevFirst Description issue. For discussion Cre'dSJG Chk'dJWApp'd JRR 12/04/2018Date 00RevFirst Description issue. For discussion Cre'dSJG Chk'dJWApp'd JRR 12/04/2018Date Rev Description Cre'd Chk'd App'd Date Rev Description Cre'd Chk'd App'd Date
Master Scheme No: Sub-Scheme No: Site: Master Scheme No: Sub-Scheme No: Site: Master33493 Scheme No: Sub-Scheme33493 No: Site:New Forest Master Scheme No: Sub-Scheme No: Site:New Forest Master33493 Scheme No: Sub-Scheme33493 No: Site:New Forest Master33493 Scheme No: Sub-Scheme33493 No: Site:New Forest Scheme Name: New Forest 33493 33493 New Forest Scheme Name: New Forest Scheme33493400kV Name: Visual33493 Impact Provision - New Forest Scheme Name: Scheme400kV Name: Visual Impact Provision - New Forest Scheme400kV Name: Visual Impact Provision - New Forest Document400kV Title: Visual Impact Provision - New Forest Document400kV Title: Visual Impact Provision - New Forest Document Title: Document Title: Document Title: Document Title: Construction Phase Plan Construction Phase Plan Construction Phase Plan Created by: Date: Checked by: Date: Approved by: Date: CreatedS. Goode by: Date: 12/04/2018 CheckedJ. Weeks by: Date:12/04/2018 ApprovedJ. Richards by: Date:12/04/2018 CreatedS. Goode by: Date: 12/04/2018 CheckedJ. Weeks by: Date:12/04/2018 ApprovedJ. Richards by: Date:12/04/2018 DevelopmentCreatedS. Goode by: Eng: DocumentDate: 12/04/2018 Type: Scale:CheckedJ. Weeks by: Date:Format:12/04/2018 Sheet(s):ApprovedJ. Richards by: Rev:Date:12/04/2018 DevelopmentCreated by: Eng: DocumentDate: Type: Scale:Checked by: Date:Format: Sheet(s):Approved by: Rev:Date: DevelopmentCreatedC.S. HawkinsGoode by: Eng: DocumentDate: 12/04/2018DR Type: Scale:CheckedJ.1:12,500 Weeks by: Date:Format:12/04/2018A3 Sheet(s):ApprovedJ. Richards1 of by:7 Rev:Date:12/04/201800 Development Eng: Document Type: Scale:J. Weeks Format: Sheet(s):J. Richards Rev: C.S. HawkinsGoode 12/04/2018DR 1:12,500 12/04/2018A3 1 of 7 12/04/201800 DevelopmentNationalC.S. HawkinsGoode Grid Eng: Document Document 12/04/2018DR Type: Number: Scale:J.1:12,500 Weeks Format:12/04/2018A3 Sheet(s):J. Richards1 of 7 Rev:12/04/201800 DevelopmentNationalC. Hawkins Grid Eng: Document DocumentDR Type: Number: Scale:1:12,500 Format:A3 Sheet(s):1 of 7 Rev: 00 DevelopmentNationalC. Hawkins Grid Eng: Document DocumentDR Type: Number: Scale:1:12,500 Format:A3 Sheet(s):1 of 7 Rev: 00 Contains OS data © Crown Copyright and database right 2017 PDD-33493-LAY-039National Grid Document Number: 1:12,500 Contains OS data © Crown Copyright and database right 2017 PDD-33493-LAY-039NationalC. Hawkins Grid DocumentDR Number: A3 1 of 7 00 Contains OS data © Crown Copyright and database right 2017 PDD-33493-LAY-039National Grid Document Number: © Mott MacDonald Ltd. FEEDNational Document Grid Document Number: Number: Contains OS data © Crown Copyright and database right 2017 FEEDPDD-33493-LAY-039 Document Number: ©This Mott document MacDonald is issued Ltd. for the party which commissioned it and for specific purposes connected with the captioned project only. It should not be relied upon by any other party or used for any other purpose. Contains OS data © Crown Copyright and databaseKilometers right 2017 FEEDPDD-33493-LAY-039 Document Number: WeThis© Mott accept document MacDonald no responsibility is issued Ltd. for forthe theparty consequences which commissioned of this document it and for being specific relied purposes upon by connected any other with party, the or captioned being used project for any only. other It should purpose, not orbe containing relied upon any by errorany other or omission party or which used isfor due any to other an error purpose. or omission in data supplied to use by other parties. Contains OS data © Crown Copyright and databaseKilometers right 2017 PDD-33493-LAY-039MMD-362981-C-DR-NF-LAY-0039 This document is issued for the party which commissioned it and for specific purposes connected with the captioned project only. It should not be relied upon by any other party or used for any other purpose. 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1Kilometers MMD-362981-C-DR-NF-LAY-0039FEED Document Number: WeThis© Mott accept document MacDonald no responsibility is issued Ltd. for forthe theparty consequences which commissioned of this document it and for being specific relied purposes upon by connected any other with party, the or captioned being used project for any only. other It should purpose, not orbe containing relied upon any by errorany other or omission party or which used isfor due any to other an error purpose. or omission in data supplied to use by other parties. Kilometers [ FEEDMMD-362981-C-DR-NF-LAY-0039 Document Number: © Mott MacDonald Ltd. 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 WeThis accept document no responsibility is issued for forthe theparty consequences which commissioned of this document it and for being specific relied purposes upon by connected any other with party, the or captioned being used project for any only. other It should purpose, not orbe containing relied upon any by errorany other or omission party or which used isfor due any to other an error purpose. or omission in data supplied to use by other parties. 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1Kilometers [ FEEDMMD-362981-C-DR-NF-LAY-0039 Document Number: P:\Bristol\BNI\363761© Mott MacDonald Ltd. NG VIP\GIS\Drawings\Working Drawings\MMD_362981_C_DR_NF_LAY_0039.mxd 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 [ WeThis accept document no responsibility is issued for forthe theparty consequences which commissioned of this document it and for being specific relied purposes upon by connected any other with party, the or captioned being used project for any only. other It should purpose, not orbe containing relied upon any by errorany other or omission party or which used isfor due any to other an error purpose. or omission in data supplied to use by other parties. Kilometers [ MMD-362981-C-DR-NF-LAY-0039 P:\Bristol\BNI\363761This document is issued NG forVIP\GIS\Drawings\Working the party which commissioned Drawings\MMD_362981_C_DR_NF_LAY_0039.mxd it and for specific purposes connected with the captioned project only. It should not be relied upon by any other party or used for any other purpose. 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1Kilometers MMD-362981-C-DR-NF-LAY-0039 P:\Bristol\BNI\363761We accept no responsibility NG VIP\GIS\Drawings\Working for the consequences of thisDrawings\MMD_362981_C_DR_NF_LAY_0039.mxd document being relied upon by any other party, or being used for any other purpose, or containing any error or omission which is due to an error or omission in data supplied to use by other parties. 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 [ P:\Bristol\BNI\363761 NG VIP\GIS\Drawings\Working Drawings\MMD_362981_C_DR_NF_LAY_0039.mxd MMD-362981-C-DR-NF-LAY-0039 We accept no responsibility for the consequences of this document being relied upon by any other party, or being used for any other purpose, or containing any error or omission which is due to an error or omission in data supplied to use by other parties. 0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1 [ P:\Bristol\BNI\363761 NG VIP\GIS\Drawings\Working Drawings\MMD_362981_C_DR_NF_LAY_0039.mxd [ P:\Bristol\BNI\363761 NG VIP\GIS\Drawings\Working Drawings\MMD_362981_C_DR_NF_LAY_0039.mxd P:\Bristol\BNI\363761 NG VIP\GIS\Drawings\Working Drawings\MMD_362981_C_DR_NF_LAY_0039.mxd Visual Impact Provision Fourth Annual Report – June 2017 – May 2018
New Forest National Park Peak District National Park
The Peak District National Park (East) project The preferred route for the connection runs Looking forward would replace a 2km section of overhead line alongside the Trans Pennine Trail to the south east of the Woodhead Tunnel near Dunford of the River Don to join the existing cable in the A second meeting of the project’s Community and project phasing. We are aiming to submit a Bridge with an underground connection, Woodhead Tunnel. To connect to the remaining Liaison Group will take place in summer 2018. planning application to the New Forest National permanently removing seven pylons and a existing overhead line, a sealing end compound We established the group to involve the large Park Authority in winter 2018. sealing end compound from the landscape. and associated terminal pylon would be needed number of stakeholders interested in the project. at Wogden Foot. Its membership includes representatives from Subject to all necessary negotiations, approvals parish councils, the RSPB, CPRE Hampshire, and consents, the current indicative programme the Friends of the New Forest, the Verderers of is that on-site works will begin in summer 2019 the New Forest and the New Forest Commoners and take approximately two and half to three Defence Association. We will continue to work years to complete. It is anticipated that by 2022 with the project’s many stakeholders to optimise the new underground cable will be in service and our preferred route for the underground cables. the existing pylons and section of overhead line will have been removed. Public consultation events will take place ahead of the submission of a planning application, Project information, updates and giving the public the chance to have their documentation will continue to be shared say on the details of the project, including through our New Forest project website: environmental mitigation, traffic management http://newforest.nationalgrid.co.uk.
STAKEHOLDER REFERENCE GROUP MEMBERS
Current route option as of May 2018
Connection to overhead line Wogden Foot
Dunford Trans Pennine Trail Bridge
Trans Pennine Trail Existing National Grid overhead line proposed for removal Connection to existing cables Existing National Grid overhead line to be retained in the tunneltunnel 164R Existing National Grid pylon
Replacement pylon Proposed Sealing End Compound location Proposed underground line route
Kilometers 0 0.4 0.8 12 Background mapping information has been reproduced from the Ordnance Survey on behalf of the controller of Her Majesty's Stationery Office. © Crown copyright Ordnance Survey National Grid license no. 100022488 13 Visual Impact Provision Fourth Annual Report – June 2017 – May 2018
Peak District National Park Peak District National Park
Progress to date Looking forward
Archaeological, environmental and hydrological We’ve held a number of stakeholder briefings Public consultation will take place so that complete. It is anticipated that in 2021 the new studies have continued throughout 2017/18 with the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Barnsley MBC, we can share details of the project, including underground section will be in service and the and will carry on into summer 2018 to support the Peak District National Park Authority and environmental mitigation, traffic management existing pylons and section of overhead line will the preparation of detailed engineering designs stakeholders with a specialist interest in ecology and project phasing, before we submit a have been removed. for the project. This has included exploring to explore mitigation measures and priorities for planning application to Barnsley MBC in winter which type of underground technology to use. the project. In particular, we have engaged with 2018. We will take into account the feedback Project information, updates and Gas Insulated Line (GIL) has been identified as the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust to discuss potential of the public and our stakeholders to improve documentation will continue to be shared the preferred technology, and we are working mitigation and enhancement opportunities for our proposals wherever possible. through our Peak District East project website: closely with a GIL equipment supplier to Wogden Foot Local Wildlife site, where the http://peakdistricteast.nationalgrid.co.uk. develop this option further. construction of a sealing end compound is Subject to all necessary negotiations, needed to connect the underground section to approvals and consents, the current indicative For the project to be delivered, the Trans the remaining existing overhead line. programme is that on-site works will begin Pennine Trail will need be temporarily diverted in 2019 and take approximately two years to for approximately one and a half years to allow Two Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) for construction work. We are fully committed to meetings were held in the Peak District in ensuring the trail remains open and accessible 2017/18. Members of the Peak District SRG throughout this period for the many local include representatives from the Peak District residents, long distance walkers, cyclists and National Park Authority, Trans Pennine Trail STAKEHOLDER REFERENCE horse riders who enjoy its special qualities. Office, Natural England, Dunford Parish Council GROUP MEMBERS and Barnsley MBC. Our proposed temporary diversion runs across agricultural land to the north of the River Don and Together with CPRE and the Friends of the we are working closely with the Trans Pennine Peak District, we have engaged in discussions Trail Office, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough with the local electricity distribution operator Council (MBC) and landowners to ensure that Northern Powergrid, who have agreed to it is suitable. We have agreed a communication underground a section of their overhead line plan with Barnsley MBC to let users know about on wooden poles within the National Park to the project and the diversion in advance of, and complement our project and further enhance throughout, the construction work. the landscape.
14 15 Visual Impact Provision Fourth Annual Report – June 2017 – May 2018
Snowdonia National Park Snowdonia National Park
The Snowdonia National Park project would replace a 3km section of overhead line Progress to date crossing the Dwyryd Estuary near Porthmadog with an underground solution, permanently Ground investigation work has been carried out One Stakeholder Reference Group (SRG) removing 10 pylons from the landscape. throughout 2017/18 to inform the depth and meeting was held in Snowdonia in 2017/18. route of the underground tunnel the connection Members of the Snowdonia SRG include The new connection will run through an will run through. Surveys of the Dwyryd Estuary representatives from the Snowdonia National underground tunnel from Cilfor to Garth under the took place in autumn 2017 to identify any Park Authority, Natural Resources Wales, Dwyryd Estuary. A head house will be required environmental issues and develop a preferred National Trust, Gwynedd Council, Cadw and at each end of the tunnel. To connect to the route for the tunnel. A further round of survey Gwynedd Archaeological Trust. remaining existing overhead line in the east, a work will begin in June 2018 to inform a detailed sealing end compound and associated terminal tunnel design. To carry out this work we have We continue to work closely with colleagues pylon would be needed. obtained a Marine Licence from Natural working on the North Wales Connection project, Resources Wales and agreements from which will link the proposed nuclear power station at Wylfa on Anglesey and potential Search area for potential underground route corridors, the sealing end compound and tunnel landowners, Gwynedd Council and the Harbour Master. new offshore wind developments with the head houses as of May 2018 transmission network. We have started to explore options for removing the concrete bases the pylons in the estuary We are seeking to align our work where stand upon. We are working with Natural possible to mitigate disruption to both the Resources Wales and other stakeholders local community and the environment. including marine and ecology specialists to determine the best approach.
Progress is being made on identifying locations for the tunnel head houses in Cilfor and Garth, as well as the sealing end compound on the eastern side of the estuary. Working with stakeholders, our aim is to carefully select these locations to reduce the visual impact of the head houses and compound.
16 17 Visual Impact Provision Fourth Annual Report – June 2017 – May 2018
Snowdonia National Park 04: Landscape Enhancement Initiative
The Landscape Enhancement Initiative (LEI) is an important part of the VIP project. Looking forward Championed by our stakeholders, the initiative aims to use up to £24m of the Ofgem provision for smaller visual improvement projects. We will share details of the project, including It is therefore anticipated that by late 2024/early environmental mitigation, traffic management 2025 the new underground connection will be 4.1 About the Landscape Enhancement Initiative and project phasing, to allow the local in service and the existing pylons and section of community to help shape our plans. Public overhead line will have been removed. consultation events will take place ahead of The LEI offers grants of up to £200,000 for projects Projects are suggested by the relevant AONB the submission of a planning application to Project information, updates and documentation which reduce the visual and landscape impact Partnership or National Park Authority before Gwynedd Council in winter 2018. will continue to be shared in both English and of our existing overhead lines and enhance the being considered by the LEI Approvals Panel. Welsh through our Snowdonia project website: surrounding landscape. The initiative is open to Independently chaired by Mary O’Connor from Subject to all necessary negotiations, approvals http://snowdonia.nationalgrid.co.uk. each of the 30 AONBs and National Parks in the Landscape Institute, the panel includes and consents, the current indicative programme England and Wales which contain or are impacted experts from Cadw, Historic England, Natural is that on-site works will begin in winter 2020 by our overhead transmission lines. England and Natural Resources Wales and makes and take approximately four years to complete. recommendations to Ofgem on which projects to fund. The initiative is supported by National Grid’s project team and external specialists, including landscape advisors to offer guidance to eligible STAKEHOLDER REFERENCE applicants on potential LEI projects. GROUP MEMBERS
DESIGNATED LANDSCAPES ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE LEI FUNDING
ELIGIBLE NATIONAL PARK
ELIGIBLE AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY (AONB)
PROJECT RECEIVING LEI FUNDING OR PROJECT RECOMMENDED BY THE APPROVALS PANEL TO RECEIVE LEI FUNDING
18 19 Visual Impact Provision Fourth Annual Report – June 2017 – May 2018
4.2 Progress to date Window 3 projects Since its launch in May 2016, more than There have been four windows for project The LEI Approvals Panel met in December • Cannock Chase AONB – Gentleshaw £1.6 million has been allocated to projects submissions to date. Progress has been made 2017 and subsequently recommended that five Common into the Future across England and Wales. throughout the year on their delivery: projects be taken forward to receive funding. • Dorset AONB – Reconnecting the Ridgeway These projects were submitted to Ofgem for • Kent Downs AONB – High Downs National Grid held workshops in July 2017 and approval in April 2018 and confirmation of May 2018 for representatives of AONBs and funding is expected in summer 2018: • Kent Downs AONB – North Downs Living Grid National Parks to learn more about the initiative • North York Moors National Park – Arncliffe and discuss their own ideas for funding. Wood and Scarth Wood Moor Restoration
Window 1 projects Three projects secured funding approval from Ofgem in June 2017 and are now underway with Window 4 projects good progress being made to reduce the visual and landscape impact of overhead lines: The LEI Approvals Panel will meet in June 2018 to review the applications submitted • North York Moors National Park – • Peak District National Park – in Window 4. Successful projects will be Over Silton to Thimbleby Bridleway Central Longdendale Trails notified over the summer that they will be • High Weald AONB – Beautiful Boundaries recommended to Ofgem for funding approval.
Spotlight on: High Weald AONB Particular focus is being placed on locations where the lines can be seen from the area’s 4.3 Future application windows The High Weald AONB is an internationally- extensive network of public rights of way important landscape characterised by a mosaic including promoted paths such as the 1066 There are three submission windows coming up in If you are interested in finding out more about the of interconnected small woods, fields, shaws Walk and the Sussex Border Path. and hedges – many of which are ancient 2018/19 during which eligible AONB Partnerships and LEI, please visit our website for more information: and species-rich. Beautiful Boundaries aims The scheme was granted £200,000 in the National Park Authorities can submit project ideas: www.lei.nationalgrid.com. to restore the historic medieval landscape first round of LEI funding, and the High Weald • Window 5 – June 2018 With the LEI gaining momentum and at the request by regenerating ancient hedgerows to divert Partnership is working with a number of • Window 6 – January 2019 of the Stakeholder Advisory Group, we will be attention from the overhead lines. landowners in the Wealden and Rother districts broadening the reach of our communications to • Window 7 – June 2019 of East Sussex to implement the improvements. include organisations which could develop and lead on projects on behalf of the AONBs and National Parks, such as the RSPB, the Woodland Window 2 projects Trust, the National Trust and the Wildlife Trusts. A further seven projects secured funding approval from Ofgem in February 2018 to carry out localised landscape improvements: • Clwydian Range and Dee Valley AONB – • Snowdonia National Park – Snowdonia Lost Landscapes Traditional Boundaries • Dorset AONB – Magical Marshwood Vale • Snowdonia National Park – Dyffryn Maentwrog • Peak District National Park – Longdendale (West) Woodland Restoration and Landscape Landscape Restoration Improvement • Snowdonia National Park – Dyffryn Ffestiniog • New Forest National Park – Woodlands (East) Woodland Restoration and Landscape Improvements and Wild Play at Holbury Improvement Manor/Warren Copse
Spotlight on: New Forest National Park The National Park Authority worked with Fawley Parish Council and local volunteers from Warren The ‘wild play’ site at Warren Copse, Holbury Copse Conservation Group to apply for the is the first to be built in the New Forest National funding. Park and benefited from £31,000 of LEI funding. By helping younger children and families to A series of woodland management techniques reconnect with nature it draws attention away are also being used to enhance Warren from the nearby overhead transmission lines. Copse’s biodiversity, including the clearance of excess foliage to boost the growth of precious bluebells, wood anemones and primroses.
20 21 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Visual Impact Provision hotline: 0330 134 0051 Visit our website at: www.nationalgrid.com/VIP Send an email to: [email protected] Write to our freepost address and quote: “FREEPOST VISUAL IMPACT PROVISION”
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