Power line battle ends in defeat

A SEVEN-year battle to block construction of a 13-mile overhead power line cutting through some of the most sensitive areas of South Warrington has finally been lost.
Objectors have learned the scheme – first put forward in 2003 – is to go ahead, with work starting in November.
The 132kv cable, mounted on 49ft high posts, will run from Carrington, near Sale to Lostock, near Northwich and is needed to boost power supplies in East Cheshire.
But it will scythe through some of the few remaining rural areas of Lymm – and opponents have described it as “nothing short of desecration.”
Two years ago, Ministers at the Department for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (BERR) indicated they were “minded to approve” the proposals put forward by Scottish Power Manweb.
Objections were lodged by a number of authorities, including Warrington, Trafford, Macclesfield, Vale Royal and Cheshire, although some were later withdrawn.
No public inquiry was ever held – apparently because objections were only received after the end of a 22-day consultation period.
Coun Sheila Woodyatt, (pictured) who represents the Lymm area on Warrington Borough Council, said: “This is very disappointing, but I have been expecting this ever since the Secretary of State said in 2008 that he was minded to approve it.
“I still believe there should have been a public inquiry. It would have been the most democratic way to resolve the issue.
“This power line will effect the Lymm area more than anywhere and hundreds of people living in Higher Lane, Oughtrington Lane, Burford Lane and Spring Lane opposed to it. They worked hard to try and get it stopped, or diverted to a different route through less sensitive areas.
“We accept there is a need for adequate power supplies but I think the route should have run alongside existing power lines where it would have been less intrusive.”
The power line will pass through through land north of Wet Gate Lane to south of Higher Lane, Lymm.
It will cross open pasture land, woodland and footpaths used by walkers and horse riders and also run within 40ft of houses.
Scottish Power Manweb have said there is an urgent need for extra supplies in East Cheshire. some years ago there was an incident when supplies nearly broke down.
Other routes have been examined, as has placing the cable underground. But all have technical problems and would be more costly. An underground cable would have enormous maintenance problems. However, some lower voltage cables in the Lymm area will be placed underground, the company has said.