Liberal
Democrats in Brickhill have opposed the presence of pylons in such close
proximity to homes.
Pylons are bad for different reasons
- They are perceived as a potential health risk.
- They reduce the value of homes
- They attract birds and associated fouling of gardens.
- Ice forming on power lines is a hazard when it falls
- The noise from the power lines is unpleasant.
Charles Royden led a successful campaign to have power
lines and pylons removed across Brickhill, removing a whole line of them.
Brickhill Liberal Democrats will continue to fight for their removal.
Homeowners encouraged to seek compensation
We were
successful in having one line removed, but we must continue to exert pressure
for the remaining line to be either diverted or placed underground. These pylons
are not well liked, and many people refuse to buy properties which are in
proximity to pylons. The health affects are contested, however there are other
issues, bird droppings, noise in wet weather, ice forming into large pieces
dropping onto houses etc.
The
electric line that crosses many properties was built many years ago, before
houses in Brickhill were constructed. The company who built the electric line
agreed a short-term right to put the line over the land and agreed to pay annual
rentals for that right. When the land was sold for building, the Act of
Parliament allowed them to keep the electric line in place, but they had an
obligation to pay for the rights granted by the Act.
EDF
Energy (EPN plc) have never sought to negotiate fresh rights for the electric
line outside of the provision of the Act, and it would appear that they have not
made any payments for the electric lines crossing many properties.
The
Electricity Act 1989 places an obligation on EDF Energy (EPN plc) to pay
“compensation” for the right to keep the electric line over your property and
that has to be assessed by reference to the reduction in value of the property
caused by the electric lines. Any payment made by EDF Energy (EPN plc) will be
subject to them receiving legal rights to keep the electric line in place. The
owner of a property can grant a permanent easement (that is, a permanent right
for the electric line to remain in place) or, alternatively, EDF Energy (EPN
plc) can ask the Secretary of State at the Department of Trade and Industry to
grant them a Necessary Wayleave which will give them the right to keep the line
in place for a minimum period of 15 years.
You
may qualify for compensation, it is possible to do progress this claim by
engaging an agent on a success related fee, that is, if you do not obtain any
compensation you will pay nothing. You will usually pay 5% (plus VAT) of the
money received as a contribution towards costs and this is recovered direct from
EDF Energy (EPN plc).
You may contact Colin Gell, Seraph Surveying Services. 910
Woodborough Road, Mapperley Tel (0115) 962 2888
Nottingham Fax (0115) 953 3066. NG3 5QR E-mail seraph@innotts.co.uk
 Telegraph article Saturday 29 April
Pylons and health scare
Taken from the Telegraph 'PYLON CANCER FEARS PUT £7BN BLIGHT
ON HOUSE PRICES, Up to £7 billion will be wiped off property values if the
Government accepts the advice of experts that homes should no longer be built
near overhead power lines because of possible links with childhood leukaemia.'
Charles Royden was responsible for leading a campaign in
Brickhill which resulted in many pylons being removed. Removal of the remaining
pylons is a commitment of Liberal Democrats .
The Telegraph has highlighted the importance of this issue
in the lives of many people. The perception of risk appears to be moving towards
increasing evidence of risk and this report by a committee set up by The
Department of Health raises the real problems.
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