UNDERGROUNDING OVERHEAD LINES IN PROTECTED AREAS

That this House recognises that overhead power and telecommunication cables in some of the otherwise most beautiful locations in Great Britain have a detrimental effect on landscape quality; applauds the decision by Ofgem to provide an allowance to electricity suppliers for undergrounding overhead lines in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks between 2005 and 2010; commends those energy companies that have engaged with local communities and stakeholders in protected landscapes markedly to improve the visual landscape; and urges Ofgem to continue the scheme beyond 2010 and to increase the allowance to enable undergrounding in more difficult geographical and geological conditions.