Power lines to go at beauty spots

Cables at Loseley Park and Polesden Lacey will go

Environmental experts have given the go-ahead for overhead power lines in the Surrey Hills to be torn down.

Energy regulator Ofgem has given £7.7m to EDF Energy to remove cables from countryside across the South East.

A steering group at EDF has agreed to spend £385,000 on removing cables at Loseley Park, near Guildford, and Polesden Lacey, near Dorking.

About 2.3 miles (3.7km) of lines will go in the Surrey Hills area of outstanding natural beauty.

Project officer Nigel Collier said it would help the public "gain even more enjoyment from visiting these stunning areas of our countryside".

Birds and bats

About 1.7 miles (2.7km) of power lines and 38 supporting wooden poles will be taken down at Loseley Park.

EDF said it was hoped the removal of the cables would improve the visual quality of the park and enhance wildlife habitat, freeing the area of obstructions for birds and bats.

At Polesden Lacey, 11 wooden poles and more than 0.6 miles (1km) of power lines are being taken down and replaced with underground electricity cables.

"It is hoped that the removal of these final stretches of lines will add to the sense of wilderness and remoteness of this wonderfully scenic area," Mr Collier said.

Rob Fairbanks, Surrey Hills officer, said it was "a welcome opportunity to remove intrusive overhead power lines in some of the most attractive parts of the Surrey Hills".