Power Lines and Health Risks
Many people will remember the old chestnut that returns from time to time regarding the health risk of living in close proximity to overhead electricity power lines. There have been numerous studies over the years particularly focusing on the possible link between exposure to high electromagnetic fields (EMFs) and increased risk childhood leukaemia.
Another study has resulted in the likely recommendation that new houses should not be built any nearer than 230ft (70m) to overhead power cables. This is based on statistical evidence and still no causal link has been found to establish the risk as a fact. Although the link has not been found this could simply be down to our medical knowledge not being up to the task at this time.
It is expected that the advice coming from the Stakeholder Advisory Group will result in a new PPS as guidance for local planning authorities.
In point of fact there has been a strong reluctance by builders to construct new housing in proximity to power cables as sales rates and prices are likely to be adversely affected. The development community will probably welcome anything that establishes a ‘safe distance’ as this can be used in planning layouts and then in sales literature.
The more worrying aspect of this is with regard to existing housing that is inside the ‘safe distance’. One of the members of the Stakeholder Group is the Council of Mortgage Lenders. It is entirely possible that they will produce private advice to their members that there will be an increased risk in providing mortgages on affected properties.
If existing properties become impossible to mortgage then their value will drop alarmingly. There is talk of the need to knock down and replace affected properties, but you have to ask yourself ‘how willing will any government be to pay private owners compensation in this circumstance?’ And even if they do decide to do so ‘how long will it take to establish and pay out from such a compensation fund?’
My advice to anyone looking to purchase a house or flat is avoid it if it is in an affected zone and if you already own one then sell as quickly as you can. This will drag on and once it becomes a significant talking point the chance to sell will have gone.
Stay tuned to Property Development Fortunes...
Another study has resulted in the likely recommendation that new houses should not be built any nearer than 230ft (70m) to overhead power cables. This is based on statistical evidence and still no causal link has been found to establish the risk as a fact. Although the link has not been found this could simply be down to our medical knowledge not being up to the task at this time.
It is expected that the advice coming from the Stakeholder Advisory Group will result in a new PPS as guidance for local planning authorities.
In point of fact there has been a strong reluctance by builders to construct new housing in proximity to power cables as sales rates and prices are likely to be adversely affected. The development community will probably welcome anything that establishes a ‘safe distance’ as this can be used in planning layouts and then in sales literature.
The more worrying aspect of this is with regard to existing housing that is inside the ‘safe distance’. One of the members of the Stakeholder Group is the Council of Mortgage Lenders. It is entirely possible that they will produce private advice to their members that there will be an increased risk in providing mortgages on affected properties.
If existing properties become impossible to mortgage then their value will drop alarmingly. There is talk of the need to knock down and replace affected properties, but you have to ask yourself ‘how willing will any government be to pay private owners compensation in this circumstance?’ And even if they do decide to do so ‘how long will it take to establish and pay out from such a compensation fund?’
My advice to anyone looking to purchase a house or flat is avoid it if it is in an affected zone and if you already own one then sell as quickly as you can. This will drag on and once it becomes a significant talking point the chance to sell will have gone.
Stay tuned to Property Development Fortunes...
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