Tuesday, 14th April 2009
Scottish underground power line campaign backed by Europe
Proposed European legislation to lay power lines underground offers hope to Scotland, says Scots Tory MEP Struan Stevenson.
Mr Stevenson’s comments follow plans to change the law in Germany where power lines which pass within 400 metres of residential areas will require to be buried. The proposals also demand that two of four new power lines be undergrounded.
This issue has also been raised by France, Spain and Austria and will be discussed when Mr Stevenson welcomes members of the Stirling Before Pylons campaign group and industry experts to Brussels on Wednesday (15th April 2009).
At a seminar organised by Mr Stevenson entitled ‘Overhead power lines: are underground cables a viable alternative and more environmentally acceptable?’, Mr Stevenson will be joined by Peter Pearson and David McLehose of Stirling Before Pylons; Simon Allen, Europacable Strategy Advisor; Dr Nicki Baker, Secretary of Friends of the Ochils; and Paulo Paixao of DR Environment in the European Commission.
Stirling Before Pylons has been campaigning against the Beauly to Denny Power line for the last four years, arguing that under-sea and underground power line options should be investigated thoroughly as a more efficient, more visually pleasing alternative to pylons.
European Commission officials have been appointed to co-ordinate various projects across Europe to try and resolve matters relating to overhead cables in various European countries.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Mr Stevenson said:
“I have followed the public inquiry into the Beauly to Denny power line and understand the concerns and issues raised by Stirling Before Pylons.
“Overhead power lines not only raise health issues in children and adults but their impact on the Ochil Hills would be devastating. In addition, the visual impact of the completed line for the local community and visitors alike would not be aesthetically pleasing.
“The recent information that has come to light from Member States, and in particular Germany’s proposed legislation on underground power lines, offers a new and interesting direction for discussion and could bring about change in Scotland.
“I have a number of industry experts joining the meeting to discuss whether underground cables are a viable alternative and a more environmentally acceptable form for delivering electricity.”
The Scottish Government is expected to announce its decision on the public enquiry in the coming months.
