North Shropshire 132k Reinforcement Project

This project responded to the need to strengthen North Shropshire’s electricity distribution network. Appointed as lead consultant, Gillespies led the identification and comparative appraisal of potential route options. A 20km wood pole overhead line, connecting Oswestry and Wem substations, was ultimately selected as the preferred route, minimising environmental impact while remaining technically and economically viable.

The routeing process followed SP Manweb’s established methodology, developed with direct input from Gillespies’ landscape architects and builds on the principles set out in the Holford Rules.

Our team subsequently worked closely with SP Manweb’s engineers and land agents to refine and the preferred route using the output of detailed site and technical surveys. This required liaison with stakeholders, the public and landowners. Various iterations to the route were developed and assessed before a proposed route was agreed which then progressed to formal EIA and preparation of a DCO application.

Gillespies coordinated all environmental inputs for the EIA and took the lead on key deliverables, including the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA), planning chapters, visualisations, GIS mapping, and graphics. We also authored, or contributed to, all planning documentation required for the DCO process and provided expert planning and landscape witness services at the hearings. The application was robust, coordinated, and delivered within programme, receiving DCO consent in early 2020.