Work has begun to transform part of Constable Country’s skyline for the benefit of thousands of people who live and enjoy walking in the outstanding landscape.
UK Power Networks has launched a major scheme costing around £2 million to replace a section of overhead lines with underground cables between Stoke by Nayland and Polstead in Suffolk, also known as the Box Valley.
The company, which distributes electricity across the east of England, will build eight new substations and install around 8km of high voltage underground cables. This will allow for the removal of approximately 6km of high voltage overhead lines that run from the Dedham Vale National Landscape, previously known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The project will be carried out in three phases, with the final work scheduled to be completed towards the end of 2025 and will enhance the reliability of the network.
The undergrounding scheme is funded by a special allowance from the electricity regulator Ofgem, used to improve the outstanding landscapes in National Landscapes and National Parks.
The Dedham Vale National Landscape is part of Constable Country, the area where world-famous artist John Constable lived and created stunning landscape paintings. Many of the views he painted in the early 1800s are still recognisable today.
UK Power Networks is also taking the opportunity to upgrade a number of low voltage poles in Scotland Street.
Lee Bodfield, project manager for the electricity distributor said: “This work will make a lasting difference to this section of the Box Valley as well as enhancing the reliability of the electricity network serving local people.
“This part of Suffolk is rightly popular with walkers and, while the views are already impressive, we are keen to make them even better through this project.”
Cllr James Finch, Chairman of the Dedham Vale Partnership, said: ‘This project will undoubtedly make an outstanding contribution to the Dedham Vale National Landscape, an area enjoyed by residents and visitors alike and supports a growing tourism economy’.
