National Grid Electricity Distribution and the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority have completed a project near Pen y Crug hillfort which has improved the setting of the popular site while maintaining a safe and reliable electricity supply for local customers.
The project saw National Grid Electricity Distribution, which operates and maintains the local electricity network across south and mid Wales, replace around 500 metres of overhead electricity line with underground cable and remove five poles along a section of the route between Brecon and the hillfort.
The project was funded through a specific allowance provided by Ofgem for undergrounding power lines in National Parks and National Landscapes. Schemes are identified and developed jointly with protected landscape organisations, helping to target investment where removing existing overhead infrastructure can deliver the greatest benefit to the landscape.
Christopher O’Brien, Senior Planning Officer at the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, said:
“If you walk up to Pen y Crug today, you’ll immediately notice the difference. Removing the overhead line has visually opened up the hill and made an already brilliant walk even better.
“When walking back towards Brecon, the views across the town, the Usk Valley, the Black Mountains and the Central Beacons are now uninterrupted.
“It’s a relatively small project which has delivered a significant improvement to a much-loved landscape and has been a great example of partnership working between the National Park Authority and National Grid Electricity Distribution.”
Dai Roberts, Head of Operations (East Wales) at National Grid Electricity Distribution, said:
“Electricity infrastructure plays an essential role in delivering power to the homes, businesses and services that our communities rely on every day.
“Working closely with the Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority, we’ve been able to maintain a safe and reliable electricity supply while improving the setting of this historic landscape.”
“Delivered through a dedicated Ofgem allowance for undergrounding existing power lines in National Parks and National Landscapes, the project demonstrates how partnership working and careful planning can help balance the needs of communities, infrastructure and the environment.”
The project was delivered through a dedicated Ofgem allowance for undergrounding existing power lines in National Parks and National Landscapes. Working with National Grid Electricity Distribution, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park Authority identified Pen y Crug as a location where the scheme could deliver significant landscape benefits.
Pen y Crug hillfort overlooks Brecon and is one of the National Park’s most popular viewpoints, offering panoramic views across the Usk Valley, the Black Mountains and the Central Beacons
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