A project to transform a nationally significant Dorset landscape is one step closer to being realised following a landmark decision by the local planning authority.

Plans to replace a section of overhead electricity transmission line with underground cables in the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) have been approved by West Dorset District Council (WDDC).

LUC has been involved since 2013, contributing to the initial ‘reverse’ LVIA, feasibility studies and the LVIA for the proposed undergrounding project.

As part of National Grid’s Visual Impact Provision (VIP) project, the proposals will remove 22 pylons and an approximately 8.8km stretch of existing overhead line near Winterbourne Abbas, Martinstown and Friar Waddon to enhance the popular beauty spot for the many local people and visitors who regularly enjoy it.

The decision was agreed by WDDC’s planning committee on 21 June, following a recommendation of approval made by the authority’s planning officers earlier this month.

LUC’s Landscape & Seascape Planner, Alan Kerr, said:

“We are really pleased that the Dorset Visual Impact Provision (VIP) project recently gained planning consent. This is truly a landscape led project and will be the first of its kind to remove overhead transmission lines for the enhancement of landscape character and improvement of the visual resource when construction is complete.”