UK Power Networks has removed more than 13 kilometres of overhead electricity lines and 119 poles from the Chilterns National Landscape as part of a £2 million project to improve the area’s appearance.
The electricity firm has undergrounded high-voltage lines between Latimer and Chenies, through the Chess Valley, removing infrastructure from large parts of the Chenies and Latimer Conservation Area.
The work forms part of UK Power Networks’ commitment to removing overhead power lines in National Landscapes where doing so can deliver significant visual improvements.
Extensive environmental and archaeological surveys were carried out before and during the project, with measures put in place to protect local wildlife, including badger setts, nesting birds and great crested newts.
More than 13 kilometres of high-voltage lines have been moved underground, together with an additional 1.3 kilometres of low-voltage lines. Sections of the new network were installed using horizontal directional drilling to navigate around the River Chess.
A total of 15 new substations have also been created along the route. UK Power Networks says the combination of new substations and underground cables will help provide reliable electricity supplies for local communities into the future.
Luke Hughes, Head of Asset Management at UK Power Networks, says, “The Chilterns National Landscape is a special place enjoyed by thousands of people, and we’re delighted to have completed this major undergrounding project. Removing overhead lines from the Chess Valley area has significantly reduced visual impact, helping to preserve the area’s natural character while ensuring local wildlife and habitats were carefully protected throughout the works. At the same time, the new underground network will continue to provide a reliable electricity supply for the communities we serve.”
Dr Elaine King, CEO of the Chilterns National Landscape, says, “The removal of these overhead power cables is a fantastic outcome for the Chilterns, and we’re delighted to have played a part in bringing the project forward. Putting the cables underground has transformed the landscape around Chenies, revealing its natural beauty and significantly reducing visual impact.
“This has been a long-term project requiring considerable commitment and collaboration, and we’re hugely grateful to UK Power Networks and everyone involved for their work in making it happen. It’s wonderful to see such a positive result for Chenies and the wider Chilterns.”