Planning a Site

Historically, where development took place close to high voltage electricity lines, little attention was paid to the design and layout of development and its relationship to the electricity equipment. The result has been the creation of what we might now consider poor environments, and we know we can do better.

We are always happy to work with developers and local planning authorities to find solutions that enable good quality development to take place near to existing transmission lines.

We urge careful site planning which takes into account the location and nature of any electricity equipment. We can work together to promote good quality environments and an improved public realm for the occupiers of new developments.

That’s why National Grid has published comprehensive site layout, design and landscaping guidelines to provide advice and pragmatic solutions for anyone involved in the planning, design and development of sites and buildings near high voltage overhead electricity lines.

The purpose of the Sense of Place guidelines is to promote the highest possible quality in the design and development of sites near overhead lines, while suggesting ways of reducing the visual impact of these lines.

Visit the Sense of Place website at: www.nationalgrid.com/uk/senseofplace

We are sometimes asked to remove, relocate or underground existing overhead electricity lines, usually by developers or local planning authorities that are looking to develop or promote sites for development that are crossed by overhead lines. 

Whilst all requests for the removal or relocation of high voltage overhead lines are considered on their own merit it has to be recognised that these lines are as much a part of the national infrastructure as motorways and mainline railways.

Consequently it is very unlikely that lines will be moved because of the significant operational, technical, topographical and commercial challenges which will need to be addressed by the developer or promoter.