A STRETCH of Norfolk coastline has been transformed following the removal of nearly 3kms of power lines.Overhead electricity cables and more than 60 wooden poles have been taken down near Holme-next-the-Sea, and replaced with an underground electricity network in a �241,500 project between the Norfolk Coast Partnership and EDF Energy Networks.

A STRETCH of Norfolk coastline has been transformed following the removal of nearly 3kms of power lines.

Overhead electricity cables and more than 60 wooden poles have been taken down near Holme-next-the-Sea, and replaced with an underground electricity network in a �241,500 project between the Norfolk Coast Partnership and EDF Energy Networks.

The work has transformed the landscape along the route of the old electricity network, between Redwell Marsh and the Holme Dunes Visitor Centre, to the north of the village. The lines and poles were a very obvious feature cutting across views in a sensitive, open coastal landscape close to the Norfolk Coast Path and Peddars Way National Trail.

This is the second undergrounding project to be carried out in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

In spring 2007 more than 600 metres of electricity cables were removed from the landscape near Nelson's birthplace at Burnham Thorpe.

Both Norfolk schemes have been made possible thanks to a special allowance granted by the Government's electricity regulator Ofgem. Under the terms of the allowance EDF Energy Networks has �2.9million to underground power lines in official AONBs and national parks in the eastern region between 2005 and 2010.

Nigel Collier, EDF Energy Networks protected areas project officer, said: “We are delighted to have provided the technical expertise behind this project which has had such a positive impact on this popular stretch of the north Norfolk coast.”