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Development Near Overhead Lines PDF
Development Near Overhead Lines PDF
This document provides information for planning authorities and developers on National
Grids electricity transmission lines and substations. It covers planning and amenity
issues, both with regard to National Grids approach to siting new equipment, and to
development proposals near overhead lines and substations.
2
Who we are and what we do
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Unlike virtually all other commodities, This note describes National Grids
electricity cannot be stored in bulk until it amenity responsibilities. It briefly sets out
is needed; it has to be generated in the both the amenity aspects which National
right quantities, at the time it is needed. Grid takes into account in siting new
The vast majority of generating capacity electricity lines and substations, and the
in England and Wales is connected by amenity aspects which are relevant to
National Grids transmission system. This proposed development near National
enables the operation of power stations Grids electricity transmission equipment.
to be coordinated, offering potential The note goes on to explain these
benefits of reducing the amount of spare considerations in more detail, which we
generating capacity and generating believe developers and local planning
reserve needed, and the ability to select authorities may wish to take into account.
power generation to supply the needs of
the moment.
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Overhead lines and substations
5
Consent procedures
6
Amenity responsibilities
Schedule 9
National Grid Electricity Transmission plc
Electricity Act 1989 Schedule 9 Statement
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Environmental Impact Assessment A separate list of developments is covered
Overhead lines with a voltage of 220kV in schedule 2 of the regulations. A
or more and a length of more than 15km schedule 2 development project need only
which require consent under section 37 be subject to environmental assessment
of the Electricity Act 1989 are included if it is likely to have a significant effect
in schedule 1 of The Electricity Works on the environment because of its size,
(Environmental Impact Assessment) nature or location. The regulations state
(England and Wales) Regulations 2000 (as that where proposals include a high
amended). These regulations implement voltage overhead line or an overhead line
European Directive 85/337/EEC as installed in a sensitive area, the need for
amended by Directive 91/11/EC which an environmental impact assessment
set out procedures for the assessment will be determined on a case-by-case
of the effects of certain projects on the basis. National Grid will therefore carry
environment. For all development listed out environmental impact assessments
in schedule 1 of the regulations, the for some overhead line developments
preparation of an environmental statement which fall into schedule 2, dependent
is mandatory. As such National Grid on consultation with the relevant local
will always undertake an environmental planning authorities and the outcome of
impact assessment of all new high voltage the screening process.
overhead line routes of more than 15km
in length and submit an environmental Environmental statements are not required
statement. under the legislation for new substation
proposals, however National Grid has
given a commitment in its Schedule
9 Statement to undertake relevant
environmental investigations and report
on these in any application for consent for
new works.
8
Routeing of overhead lines
Guidelines for the routeing of new The selected route will typically seek to
overhead lines were originally formulated avoid crossing the highest contours,
by the Central Electricity Generating Board where towers would generally be the
(CEGB), a predecessor to National Grid. most prominent and will take account
These guidelines have subsequently been of the quality of the landscape and its
reviewed and supplemented by National ability to accommodate an overhead line.
Grid and are used as the basis of the In other words an overhead line should
companys approach to routeing new fit into the landscape as much as that
overhead lines. landscape permits. The extent to which
opportunities exist to screen the line will
The guidelines set out the principles to be depend on existing vegetation, buildings
applied in the routeing of new overhead and topographic features. When viewed
lines. They cannot be expected to cover from principal viewpoints, an overhead
every possible situation and each case line should ideally be viewed against a
must be considered separately and on its background of existing landscape or other
own merits. development rather than against the sky.
The selection of any new electricity line There may be a number of potential
route will be a balance of all the various conflicts of interest in establishing a
factors or constraints which have to be new overhead line route. Sometimes,
taken into account. Any overhead line will for example, the best route through a
be a visual intrusion into the landscape landscape will be to follow a river valley
through which it passes, and it is the rather than to cross the adjacent higher
dominant scale of towers which makes land. The valley, however, is likely to be
them difficult to absorb into the landscape. more intensively populated and also
may contain the major transport routes
In selecting a route National Grid seeks to in the area as well as the better quality
reduce the visual effect of the line in terms agricultural land. A new line so routed
of the number of people affected and the could have a greater effect on a larger
degree to which they are affected. The number of people even though its effect
nature and topography of the landscape outside the valley may be minimal.
is considered and any statutory protection Conversely for example, upland areas,
afforded to an area is also taken into whilst having relatively little development,
account. are likely to have protective designations
and an overhead line across such areas
may be visible over a much wider area.
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Siting of substations
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Development near overhead lines
and substations
National Grid owns the land occupied It has sometimes been suggested that
by its substations, but only exceptionally minimum distances between properties
does it own the land which is crossed by and overhead lines should be prescribed.
its electricity lines. The line is retained by National Grid does not consider this
means of either wayleave agreements or appropriate since each instance must be
permanent easements with the landowner. dealt with on its merits. However, it has
National Grid has the power to maintain always sought to route new lines away
and renew the electricity line and to gain from residential property on grounds of
access for these purposes. general amenity. Since the only limitation
on new development has been the
National Grid seeks voluntary agreements statutory safety clearances (Appendix
with landowners. However, when these III), a large amount of residential and
are not forthcoming National Grid has other development has been carried out
compulsory powers and can apply to subsequently beneath and adjacent to
the Secretary of State for a necessary overhead lines.
wayleave for the overhead line route, or
compulsory purchase of the land occupied Where development takes place and how
by the cable route. In such cases a it is designed are principally matters for
hearing will take place which provides the the landowner, developer and the local
opportunity for all issues to be discussed. planning authority to determine. National
Since it does not own the land, it cannot Grid should be consulted at an early stage
prevent development close to or under on proposals for development near lines
overhead lines (although, of course, safe and substations, when it is more likely that
electrical clearances must be maintained). National Grids advice and guidance on
development near to electricity lines issues
can be taken into account.
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Underground cables give rise to particular
safety requirements. Requirements
are dependent upon cable installation
methods but generally the area above
cables, and a distance on either side,
must be kept clear of structures and trees.
Access is required for maintenance and
repair. It is essential that the cables and
material surrounding them should not be
Safety aspects disturbed. Further information on cables is
Contact by people or objects with high available on our website.
voltage equipment must be avoided. At
substations the high voltage compound is Maintenance
protected by the provision of high security From time to time access is required
fencing and all of National Grids towers onto land to inspect, maintain and
have anti-climbing guards. For overhead refurbish overhead lines and underground
lines a statutory minimum safety clearance cables. National Grids rights of access
must be maintained between conductors to undertake such works are contained
and the ground: the higher the voltage of within the wayleave agreement or
the line, the greater the clearance which is permanent easement with the landowner.
required. Appendix III gives information on
statutory safety clearances and on where Overhead lines are inspected on a
further information and advice can be routine basis both by foot and helicopter.
obtained. Climbing inspections of towers also
take place. Less frequently, overhead
Safe clearances must be maintained from lines are refurbished; and conductors,
buildings constructed under or adjacent to insulators and associated fittings may be
overhead lines. Safe clearances must also replaced, or towers painted. Occasionally
be maintained for trees, structures such towers and their foundations may also be
as street lighting, new roads, and ground refurbished.
levels where these will be altered by civil
engineering operations. For major refurbishment, such as replacing
conductors, safety scaffolding may need
to be erected over underlying properties,
roads and other development. Certain
maintenance techniques also involve the
use of helicopters.
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National Grid needs quick and easy Visual impact
access to carry out maintenance to Since towers are such large and dominant
its equipment, to ensure that it can structures, the opportunity to mitigate their
be returned quickly to service and be effect on new development adjacent to
available as part of the transmission an existing line is restricted. Nevertheless
system. Such access can be difficult the layout of residential and other types
to obtain without inconveniencing and of development, the orientation of main
disturbing occupiers and residents, views out of a building, and the location of
particularly where development is in close structural site planning by the developer
proximity to overhead lines. can assist in reducing the visual impact on
residents.
National Grid recognises that maintenance
and refurbishment activities can cause For further information please visit the
disruption and adversely affect the general Sense of Place website at:
amenity of those occupying buildings www.nationalgrid.com/uk/senseofplace
beneath or adjacent to overhead lines
and near to cable routes. Where possible, The siting, design and landscape
National Grid seeks to minimise the effects treatment of new substations takes
of such disruption. Developers should take account of existing development.
into account the requirement of National Landscaping, both through the
Grid to maintain access to its equipment. modification of ground form and by
planting, can help to mitigate the visual
impact of a substation. Where new
development is proposed in the vicinity of
existing substations, the layout and design
of the development can be planned to
keep the adverse visual impact of the
substation to a minimum.
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Noise National Grid is able to provide information
High voltage overhead lines and and advice on noise from high voltage
substations can generate noise, the level plant to both planning authorities and
of which depends mainly on the voltage of developers. It is possible for the developer
the overhead line or substation. to mitigate significantly the effects of
noise from an existing overhead line by
Noise from energised overhead lines is attention to site layout and design of new
produced by a phenomenon known as developments, for example by including
corona discharge (a limited electrical landscaping or by placing the noise-
breakdown of the air). While conductors sensitive elements away from the high
are designed and constructed to minimise voltage plant.
corona discharge, surface irregularities
caused by damage, insects, raindrops The Department for Communities and
or pollution may locally enhance the Local Government Planning Policy
electric field strength sufficiently for corona Guidance 24 (PPG24, Planning and
discharges to occur. This can be audible in Noise), and Technical Advice Note (Wales)
certain conditions as a crackling sound, 11, guide local authoritieson the use of
occasionally accompanied by a low their planning powers to minimise the
frequency hum. The noise level generated adverse impact of noise. They outline the
by a high voltage overhead line is weather- considerations to be taken into account
related, with highest noise levels occurring in determining planning applications both
during damp conditions. Overhead lines for noise-sensitive developments and for
are normally quiet during dry weather, those activities which generate noise. They
except during long, dry spells when also advise on the use of conditions to
airborne debris adheres to the conductors. minimise the impact of noise.
Any noise disappears when sufficient rain
falls to wash the debris away.
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Electric and magnetic fields The Health Protection Agency (HPA,
Electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) are previously the National Radiological
associated with most electrical apparatus, Protection Board) is responsible for
including power lines, underground cables monitoring the hazards to health from all
and domestic appliances. They diminish forms of radiation, and is highly respected
rapidly with distance from the source. for its independent scientific opinions.
Electric fields are associated with voltage The Government relies on the scientific
and can cause small micro-shocks in advice of the HPA, and has brought
certain instances (see Other Electrical EMF exposure limits into force in the UK
Effects below). Magnetic fields vary with accordingly.
the current in the line or appliance. Both
can be measured with appropriate meters. All of the electricity system, including all
A separate guide to EMFs, EMF The overhead lines, complies with these limits.
Facts, is available. The limits are set to prevent all established
Overhead lines: typical electric fields
effects of EMFs on people, and the HPA
5
advises that there is insufficient evidence
400 kV
4
275 kV
of harmful effects (for example, cancer)
below these levels to reduce the limits.
electric field / kV/m
3
The Government are considering whether
2
any precautionary measures might be
justified in addition to the exposure limits,
1 based on a report from a stakeholder
0
group called SAGE, but have not yet
-100 -80 -60 -40 -20 0 20
distance from centreline / m
40 60 80 100
introduced any. Therefore, in the UK at
present, there are no restrictions on EMF
grounds on building close to overhead
Overhead lines: typical magnetic fields
6 lines.
400 kV and 275 kV
4
Government and the HPA. National Grid
3 recognises that some public concern
2
exists over this matter. National Grid,
together with the Energy Networks
1
Association, can provide information on
0
-100 -80 -60 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100
the research carried out worldwide on
distance from centreline / m
this subject or, alternatively, can direct
interested parties to experts, independent
While there is ongoing debate over the of the electricity industry, who can provide
possibility of a hazard to health from low- advice and guidance.
level EMFs, the balance of the scientific
evidence to date is against there being
health effects.
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Other electrical effects Magnetic fields from power cables and
Induced voltages overhead lines can also induce voltages
High voltage equipment produces electric on conductive services, such as pipelines
fields which can cause nearby conductive or telecommunication cables, that run
objects to acquire a charge. When parallel and close by. These voltages can
discharged to earth through a person be significant if the length of parallelism
touching the object, a small microshock is considerable. In such cases, an
may be experienced. For instance, a car assessment of the impacts of induced
parked under an overhead line can pick voltages will be required and National Grid
up a voltage and when a person touches should be consulted for further advice.
it, a small spark may occur between the
car and that person. Microshocks may At petrol filling stations and other sites
sometimes be annoying, but are not where flammable materials are stored,
normally regarded as dangerous or a where spark discharges can be a safety
health risk. hazard, appropriate electrical screening
and earthing of the site may be required if
Metal-clad buildings and metal fences it is located under a high voltage overhead
under overhead lines can similarly pick up power line. A safety assessment should
a voltage. These should be appropriately be carried out with the effects of the
earthed to reduce the effect of such nearby power line taken into account, and
voltages. National Grid consulted for further advice.
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Computer screen interference Electromagnetic compatibility
Some monitors or display screens used (EMC) issues
with computers suffer a distortion of Some electronic and radio
the displayed image, usually a flicker communications equipment may be
or wobble in the presence of 50 susceptible to the electromagnetic fields
Hz magnetic fields above about 0.5 and low level radio noise produced by
microteslas. Such magnetic fields can be high voltage equipment. Generally, it is
found around most electrical equipment, easier and less costly to design and plan
including high voltage overhead power to avoid EMC issues than it is to correct
lines. The magnitude of interference the problems after they have arisen.
will be dependent on the proximity and As such, it would be prudent for the
orientation of the display screen to the electromagnetic environment to be taken
overhead line and the magnitude of into consideration when new electronic
current flowing in the line. Flat Screen equipment is being specified.
Displays are not affected.
The locations of television and radio
Distribution wiring in buildings and aerials relative to high voltage electricity
adjacent equipment can also generate a transmission lines or substations can
magnetic field of sufficient level to interact sometimes result in poor reception. The
with computer screens. careful siting of such aerials can usually
resolve this issue.
For existing equipment that is being
affected, there are techniques available
that can reduce the interference. National
Grid can provide information and advice to
minimise interference to computer screens
in the design and layout of new buildings.
If Flat Screen Displays are specified for
new installations, the need for any such
mitigation will be removed.
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Development plan policy
18
Appendix I
19
Local distribution companies Spacer
Generally own and operate lines with Metal device which maintains conductor
a voltage of 132,000 volts and below separation at intervals along the span
and supply electricity to homes and between towers.
businesses.
Substations
MW Transforming or switching stations to
Megawatt (one million watts or one control the voltage and direction of
thousand kilowatts). electricity. Transforming stations are used
to increase the supply of electricity (to
Outage 275kV or 400kV) into the national grid
The withdrawal from service of any system for transmission, and to reduce
part of the transmission system for a the voltage to lower levels (to 132kV)
period of time in connection with repair, for distribution by the local distribution
maintenance, or construction of the companies. Switching controls the
transmission system. direction of electricity and ensures fault
protection.
Permanent easement
Legal right in perpetuity granting National System security
Grid the right to install, use and maintain The ability of a transmission or distribution
its equipment. A permanent easement is system to withstand a disturbance and/or
granted in exchange for a one-off capital the loss of certain circuits.
payment. Also known as a Deed of Grant
of Easement. Tower
Overhead line structure used to carry
Pylon overhead electrical conductors, insulators
See tower. and fittings. They are commonly known
as pylons and are of a lattice steel
Refurbishment construction. See Appendix II.
Repair and renewal of conductors,
earthwire, fittings and insulators and where Wayleave agreement
necessary remedial works to the tower A licence granted by the owner and
and foundations. occupier of land giving National Grid
the right to install, use and maintain
Route mile its equipment. Terms of the Wayleave
The length, measured in miles, of the Agreement provide for the annual rental
transmission line which connects two or and compensation payments to be made.
more points on a transmission system,
irrespective of the number of circuits of
which the line is comprised.
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Appendix II
21
A typical National Grid overhead line route SPACERS
CROSS ARMS
will involve the use of three main types of EARTH WIRE
tower. They are as follows: DAMPER
CONDUCTORS
Suspension towers these support
the conductor on straight stretches of
line. Conductors are suspended by a INSULATORS
vertical insulator string
Deviation towers these occur at
points where the route changes
direction. Conductors are attached by TOWER
horizontal insulator strings
Terminal towers these towers are of Figure 3: The main features of a
greater bulk in order to ensure stability. transmission line
They occur at the end of overhead lines
where they connect with substations or
underground cables.
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Appendix III
LENGTH OF SUSPENSION
INSULATOR
SAG OF CONDUCTOR AT 45 45
CROSSING POSITION AT
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE ALLOWABLE
MAXIMUM MINIMUM
SWING CLEARANCE
BUILDING
FENCE OR WALL
STRUCTURE
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Overhead lines are also constructed It is important to note that the information
to conform with the Energy Networks in table 1, giving the minimum safety
Associations (ENAs) technical clearances is for illustrative purposes
specifications which govern the minimum only. The necessary clearance at a
clearance to be maintained between the specific location will be dependent on
conductors, ground, roads, trees and factors including the location the line
objects on which a person may stand. A is passing over, the lines construction,
summary of ENAs Technical Specification design, and its operating voltage. It is
43-8 Overhead Line Clearances is therefore important to contact National
given in table 1, the application of safety Grid where it is intended to construct or
clearances are illustrated in figures 4, 5 alter the ground levels within the vicinity
and 6. The minimum clearance to ground of a National Grid overhead line so that
for a 400,000 volt line is 7.6m and for a detailed advice on safety clearances and
275,000 volt line is 7.0m. other relevant information may be given.
CONDUCTOR SAG AT
POSITION ADJACENT TO TREE
AT MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
MINIMUM CLEARANCE
MAXIMUM HEIGHT
OF TREES
MINIMUM
CLEARANCE
24
In order to ensure that safety clearances Developments adjacent to overhead lines
are not infringed where works are planned should be designed to facilitate their
near to overhead lines, National Grid construction without infringing electrical
can provide profiles of the overhead safety clearances. Care should be taken
line crossing specific sites which detail when unloading, stacking or moving
the height above ground of the lowest material under conductors. Those involved
conductor. Line profiles are drawn at should be acquainted with the Health
the time of construction to illustrate the and Safety Executive Guidance Notes
position of the conductors at maximum GS6(rev) and HSG47 which advises on
sag. The position of the conductors at the avoidance of danger from overhead
maximum swing should also be taken into electrical lines and underground services
account. respectively.
MINIMUM CLEARANCE
(COLUMN FALLING
TOWARDS SWUNG
CONDUCTORS) MINIMUM
CLEARANCE POSITION OF CONDUCTOR AT
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
SAG OF CONDUCTOR AT
POSITION ADJACENT TO
LIGHTING COLUMN AT
MAXIMUM
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE
SWING
MINIMUM CLEARANCE TO ROAD
MINIMUM CLEARANCE
(COLUMN FALLING IN
STILL AIR)
25
Table 1: Overhead line conductor clearances
References
a) The Electricity Safety, Quality and Continuity Regulations 2002 (S.I. 2002 No 2665).
b) Energy Networks Association Technical Specification 43-8 Issue 3, 2004 - Overhead
Line Clearances.
c) Health & Safety Executive Guidance Note GS6(rev) - Avoidance of danger from
overhead electrical lines.
d) Health & Safety Executive Guidance Note HSG47 - Avoiding danger from
underground services (Second edition).
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Contacts and further information
C. For questions on, or issues with, EMF please contact the following:
EMF Unit
National Grid
National Grid House
Warwick Technology Park
Gallows Hill
Warwick
CV34 6DA
Tel: 0845 7023270
Email: emfhelpline@uk.ngrid.com
Web: www.emfs.info
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Land and Development
Stakeholder and Policy Team
National Grid
National Grid House
Warwick Technology Park
Gallows Hill
Warwick
CV34 6DA
nationalgrid.com
July 2008