The British Mountaineering Council believe the proposals will have an adverse impact on the scenic beauty of the Lake District landscape. Our vision is to conserve and protect the mountaineering, climbing and hill walking landscapes of England and Wales for people and nature. We are supporting the Friends of the Lake District Campaign to help protect the character of one of our most treasured landscapes from proposals which would significantly damage its recreational and amenity value. For many of us, landscapes are at the heart of what we enjoy in the outdoors.

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Our National Parks are national treasures that are loved but also need to be defended. We know that they play a vital role in
protecting our valuable landscapes, wildlife and key environmental resources. But we also know they contribute significantly to people’s wellbeing by providing safe, and attractive for recreation.

While we acknowledge they are living and working landscapes, development within these areas must be appropriate. Development on the scale of the proposed NWCC route will have significant impacts on the west of the Lake District. It is essential that National Grid works with organisations like FLD to develop proposals that will minimise the visual impacts of, and therefore the damage caused by, the overhead lines and pylons on this stunning landscape.

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The Open Spaces Society is deeply concerned at the damaging effect the overhead cables will have on the Lake District’s unparalleled landscape and in particular on its historic and unique commons.

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The John Muir Trust supports this call by the Friends of the Lake District to say no to pylons in the Lake District. A very damaging scheme is in danger of being pushed through on the basis that it is the cheapest option, when that mistake cannot be undone and will be there for up to 80 years. The protections for this precious landscape were hard fought for and we must stand by them to enable future generations to enjoy the beauty and tranquility we take so much for granted. Both National Grid and Ofgem have legal duties to ensure that the environment is correctly protected and further work and evidence on assumptions and costings is required to demonstrate that the Offshore south option is not a practicable alternative.

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Local campaign group Power Without Pylons is appalled by plans to blight the beautiful Lake District with huge pylons. We believe going offshore is the only rational solution, which has overwhelming public support. National Grid’s plans to use 50 metre high pylons would have lasting damaging effects on our landscapes and potentially the local economy. If they do pursue the onshore route then it is essential to put it underground to avoid the damage to the National Park’s landscapes and the enjoyment they provide for millions of people.
Visit http://www.powerwithoutpylons.org.uk/ for more information.

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The Lake District National Park is one of the country's most iconic and valued landscapes so it is vital we make every available effort to avoid impacts on it from new infrastructure. CPRE continues to support the Visual Impact Provision initiative to reduce the impact of existing overhead electricity lines on protected areas, but it makes most sense - financially and environmentally - to avoid impacts on protected areas from new grid connections in the first place.

In the case of the North West Coast Connections (NWCC) project this does not seem to be happening. Despite widespread support from consultees, National Grid has discarded the Offshore South route leaving the Onshore South route as the preferred option. In assessing this route, National Grid appears to have undervalued the high landscape value and sensitivity of the National Park and its setting, and has not included undergrounding the proposed new lines in the west of the Lake District primarily on cost grounds. We call on National Grid and the regulator, Ofgem, to reconsider options for the NWCC project and do more to avoid lasting damage to the National Park and setting a worrying precedent.

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The enjoyment of many thousands of visitors to the world-famous Ravenglass Railway will be seriously affected by the new line of giant pylons which National Grid are proposing to string down the West Coast of Cumbria and around the pretty coastal village of Ravenglass.

David Little, Chief Executive explained “ one of the main attractions for our visitors is the unspoilt beauty and the views that greet them as they travel along the line from the sea at Ravenglass to Boot at the foot of Scafell. This new line of pylons and associated cabling will be seriously in your face as you leave Ravenglass and head for the hills and when you approach the village on the return journey. The panoramic views at the start of the journey will be badly affected. We hope that National Grid will reconsider their decision to propose an on-shore, above ground route through this special landscape of the Lake District National Park.”