Snowdonia Visual Impact Provision (VIP) project shortlisted for two planning awards

The pioneering Snowdonia Visual Impact Provision (VIP) Project by National Grid has been shortlisted in two categories at the 2021 Planning Awards, including the award for stakeholder engagement in planning (planning applications) and planning permission of the year.

The project will greatly enhance Snowdonia National Park through the replacement of approximately 3km stretch of existing overhead line with underground cables.

We are proud to have played a long-term role in supporting National Grid in their plans to reduce the visual impact of their existing high-voltage lines in Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and National Parks. This project shows how collaborative working and constructive engagement can result in the conservation and enhancement of our natural environments.

Our role involved providing inputs to design development, community and stakeholder engagement, and the preparation of a comprehensive landscape and visual impact assessment that directly resulted in the successful planning application.

Image courtesy of National Grid / Benjamin Graham.