There are fears pylons could have a ‘significant’ and ‘negative impact’ on the historic building
Officials are concerned at the potential impact of the pylon scheme on Elvaston Castle and its sprawling country park estate(Image: Mike Bayley)
A major 37-mile power line running the length of Derbyshire should be routed underground to protect small businesses, historic buildings and the countryside from “permanent” harm, officials have said.
The National Grid is currently out to consultation on its plans for a 37-mile (60km) electricity power line running from Chesterfield to Willington, south of Derby.
It aims to submit an application to central Government in June next year, with the scheme to be decided nationally due to its scale, with final sign-off by the Secretary of State expected in 2028, construction starting in 2029, and to be operational in 2031.
The scheme will include pylons ranging from 44.5 metres to 66 metres in height, with a typical new modern pylon measuring 50 metres in height, with three pylons planned per kilometre on a straight section.
South Derbyshire District Council is responding to the consultation, which is the only chance at which local officials can have their say since they cannot decide the plans themselves.
The 37-mile route crosses into South Derbyshire across the River Derwent threading the gap between Borrowash and Draycott, cutting west on the outskirts of Ambaston, heading past Elvaston Castle and its historic Avenue promenade.
It then leads over the A6 south of Thulston, and south over the A50, following the major highway past Chellaston, north of Swarkestone and Barrow upon Trent, sloping south past Arleston and Stenson, connecting to the Willington substation.
Council officials said: “It is emphasised, that in the view of the council that the proposed Chesterfield to Willington overheadline should be accommodated in full underground in the interest of the visual setting of the development and the surrounding area, and to ensure the satisfactory appearance of the development.”
The council’s conservation officer strongly recommends that the route past Elvaston Castle in particular would “significantly benefit” from being buried underground.
They said that William Barron cleared all trees and hedges for 10km in the 18th Century to keep the view from the Avenue promenade uncluttered, a view that has since been infringed upon.
The council’s economic development and growth team says its main concern is the visual impact on the flat countryside.
They said: “The planned route follows the valley of the River Trent and the Trent & Mersey Canal corridor, and then passes to the east of Elvaston Castle.
“The proposals for large numbers of pylons would have a significant permanent negative impact on the landscape and the visual appeal of the area.
“Given the height of the pylons they would dominate the skyline over some considerable distance.
“They would also impact the setting of numerous heritage sites, along the canal and in the adjoining countryside and villages.
“This is an attractive area of countryside used extensively for tourism and leisure activities.
“Visitors are drawn to the heritage sites and rural setting, with rolling countryside alongside the river and canal and adjoining the Elvaston Castle grounds.
“The canal and towpath, in particular, are a magnet for boaters, walkers and cyclists.
“The proposed pylons would industrialise the countryside, potentially damaging its amenity value and appeal to visitors.
“The economy of the area benefits from the visitor activity, supporting not only specific tourist businesses but also helping to sustain rural services and facilities, such as village shops and pubs.”
It added that in close proximity, there are several businesses and marinas that could be affected by the plans.
Regarding the routing of the power line underground, National Grid said: “An underground alternative for Chesterfield to Willington would cost considerably more than the proposed overhead line.
“Government policy strongly favours overhead lines for electricity network infrastructure, except in areas such as nationally designated landscapes, because it is a cost-effective option for all electricity bill payers.
“National Grid carefully assesses the relative merits of both overhead lines and underground cables for each project, considering factors such as reliability, environmental impact, land use, and value for money.”
