With National Grid extending the public consultation over the
proposed building of high voltage pylons in Shropshire and Mid
Wales, Sarah Reece at chartered surveyors Berrys is advising
farmers and residents to word their response carefully.
The deadline for feedback has been extended by two weeks to
close on Monday, 20 June 2011 to give people more time to view the
proposals and ask questions.
National Grid is proposing to build a new substation near to
Abermule or Cefn Coch in Powys, to collect energy from wind farms
to be developed in Mid Wales, and a new high-voltage transmission
connection from the substation to the national electricity network.
10 possible route corridors have been published by National Grid,
all of which would affect west and central Shropshire. No decision
has been taken yet on whether overhead lines or underground cables
will be used, although undergrounding the entire route seems
unlikely.
"The work is expected to take place over the next two to five
years and will clearly impact on many properties and large areas of
agricultural land, for which compensation may be paid," Sarah
said.
"But the important thing at this planning and consultation stage
is to carefully consider how the project will affect you. If you
wish to object to or comment on the proposals you need to complete
the feed back form and return it before 20 June 2011.
"The decision on where the substation will be sited and the
route of the electricity connection will be determined in September
2011 at the earliest so this is the only chance you will have to
influence those decisions.
"Under planning law there is no right to a view so people with
business or residential issues need to think carefully about their
submission to get their point across.
"The fact that a pylon will spoil your view is unlikely to
influence the decision makers. But if you have a caravan park or
business reliant on tourists you may have a just cause for
objection," she explained.
There will be another consultation once the route has been
chosen and when construction begins you may be entitled to
compensation if there is a structure on your land or you are
affected by the overhead cables, 'oversail', or underground cables
if this option is considered.
"Berrys surveyors and utilities team has a great deal of
experience of such schemes and we can represent you throughout all
stages of the proposals from completing the feedback form
effectively through to claiming compensation," she added.
Contact Chris Jones or Sarah Reece at Berrys on 01743 271697 or
email sarah.reece@berrybros.com. To view Berrys website please
visit www.berrybros.com