‘Stunning’ Kent views enhanced by UK Power Networks’ investment

Carl Bennett, surveyor at UK Power Networks, explains: ‘Wye is a charming medieval village nestled in the Kent Downs along the famous Pilgrim’s Way. The village is full of history and character, sitting beside the River Stour. The area draws walkers from across the region with its rolling hills, patchwork fields and tranquil woodland trails.

This investment has opened up stunning, uninterrupted views and improved the natural character of the landscape, allowing both local people and visitors to better enjoy this special place.’

The project was warmly welcomed by the local community, who value the improvement in the landscape’s visual quality and the preservation of its historic charm.

James Loudon, a local landowner, adds: ‘UK Power Networks has done an excellent job undergrounding the overhead lines here in the Kent Downs AONB near Wye. The work has really enhanced the landscape and was carried out efficiently and sensitively.’

Tim Owen, Senior National Landscape Manager at Kent Downs National Landscape, says: ‘Whilst these projects take a while to come to fruition, it’s certainly well worth the wait. Seeing the unimpeded views across the Stour Valley and through the historic parkland is such an impressive change. This area of the National Landscape is rich in history and the landscape breathtaking, this investment in the landscape has definitely improved the area for everyone.’

The route for the new underground cables and substation was agreed with landowners before installation began. Following completion, the overhead lines and associated poles were decommissioned and removed.

In the last 10 years, UK Power Networks has invested approximately £7 million in 16 power line undergrounding schemes to remove 64km of overhead power lines from the country’s protected landscapes in the South East and East of England.