More power lines to go underground in £3m Dales scheme

Residents and visitors are being asked to suggest areas of the Yorkshire Dales where cables should go underground in the next few years as power industry regulator Ofgem finalises allocations of funding for projects in national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Thomas Harland, the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority’s planning policy officer, said: “We haven’t received confirmation of our final allocation yet, but I think we can confidently estimate it to be about £3m.

“It takes a long time to plan an undergrounding scheme. This is because it’s hard to find a line that doesn’t create some challenges – whether due to cost, disruption to local communities, wildlife, archaeology, or for technical and logistical reasons.

“This means we need to start working with the power suppliers to plan the next set of schemes as soon as possible – so we’d like to hear suggestions for lines that should be targeted.”

Projects have already begun to replace cables in a number of places as part of an existing £1.8m five-year scheme, including some from Dent station to Cowgill and from Grimwith to Stump Cross.

Dozens of prehistoric flints were unearthed during the first phase of a £300,000 project in Malham, where work was put on hold so archaeology students from Bradford University could investigate. Other ongoing schemes include lines in Upper Wharfedale from Deepdale to Beckermonds and in Ribblesdale on Swarth Moor.

Welcoming the latest initiative, Ann Brooks, the authority’s member champion for sustainable development, said: “I would commend Ofgem for their very positive contribution in helping to conserve the beautiful landscape that we all value and enjoy.”

Anyone with suggestions can call 01969 652378 or email [email protected].