Representations Recieved

Michelle Clark, VIP Project Manager, National Grid

Details of the representation

Michelle Clark

VIP project manager

 

10 June 2020

 

Peak District National Park Planning Committee Friday 12th June 2020

Redesign of existing car park and amenity area at Dunford Bridge car park (NP/B/1119/1241)

 

National Grid’s Visual Impact Provision was lobbied for by stakeholders, many based in the Peak District, and is supported by consumers.  Its aim is to reduce the landscape and visual impact of the existing transmission infrastructure in the most beautiful landscapes within AONBs and National Parks in England and Wales. 

 

We were delighted by PDNPA’s decision to approve the main application for the removal of a section of overhead line and eight pylons at its May committee. 

 

The most notable visual impact of this section is associated with the western end, in particular the sealing end compound at Dunford Bridge and first few pylons. These are situated in elevated locations around the village and car park for the Trans Pennine Trail and are highly visible on the local skyline.

 

The project has been designed by applying a unique stakeholder-led approach. This application to redesign and enhance the car park following the main construction works has arisen from feedback from local stakeholders during this process. The layout and design takes into account feedback from Barnsley Council, Peak District National Park Authority, Trans Pennine Trail Office, the British Horse Society, Barnsley Local Access Forum and other interested stakeholders.

 

The design would bring substantial improvements to the car park. It would greatly enhance the visitor experience at Dunford Bridge, complementing the main project’s work in delivering significant visual improvements and landscape benefits through the removal of 1.5km of overhead line, eight pylons and sealing end compound at Dunford Bridge.

 

The car park and amenity area have been designed to maximise space and to be clearly laid out and accessible for all users, whilst also respecting the location of the majority of the site within the Peak District National Park.

 

Whilst maintaining the existing use, the design includes the additional benefits of improvements to the surfacing and layout, an enhanced amenity/picnic area, additional planting, clearly demarcated parking spaces, dedicated accessible spaces, a dedicated area for horseboxes and a new accessible link from the car park to the Trans Pennine Trail immediately north of the Stanhope Arms. It will introduce areas of greenery and additional trees to the car park which will soften the car park visually.

 

Following further consultation with PDNPA during the determination it is also intended that the improvements will include the provision of two charging points for electric vehicles.