How does this advice help to minimise noise pollution from overhead lines?
Overhead lines do create some noise in certain circumstances, such as when minor surface damage, dirt or some weather conditions can cause the lines to crackle or hum slightly. However, if any noise is produced, National Grid makes sure that it is kept within strict statutory limits. The company retains its own noise measurement specialists to ensure compliance with statutory limits and to investigate any queries about noise raised by landowners, developers or members of the public. What constitutes ‘acceptable’ noise levels is usually a highly subjective decision, and can vary depending on the other background noises, climate and the surrounding ground cover within the area. Consequently, our new guidelines can’t give overall advice on the proximity of buildings to transmission lines in order to reduce potential noise, but there may be other valuable and creative uses of the land, which mean that noise becomes less of an issue. For further information, visit our noise section.
