Continue to reduce the amount of overhead power lines and other equipment, including putting another 20km of existing power lines underground by 2024.
How the local partners are doing on this objective
Progress: During 2022/23, Electricity North West carried out works to put 1.8 km of overhead power lines underground at Gamelands Stone Circle near Raisbeck. This brings the total so far through the current programme to 17.7km.
Rationale: Putting intrusive overhead lines underground is an immediate and permanent way to enhance the natural beauty of the National Park. This objective continues the national Ofgem programme, which is implemented and paid for by the electricity distribution companies in consultation with the National Park Authority.
Lead partners: Electricity North West; Northern Powergrid
Supporting partners: Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority; Friends of the Lake District
Further information: Northern Powergrid; Electricity North West
Cost over 5 years: £2,900,000
Funding shortfall: None
Ecosystem services: A sense of place and inspiration; Tranquillity
Trade-offs: Works to put lines underground could potentially cause damage to important heritage features (A6), priority habitats (C1), and peatland (D3). This will be avoided by carrying out constraints checks when planning routes and avoiding sensitive areas wherever possible. Where harm is unavoidable but would be outweighed by the visual benefits of the scheme, suitable mitigation measures will be identified in consultation with specialist officers.
Baseline: 0 km (Jan 2018)