Plans for a new electricity line running from Oswestry to Wem could have a significant impact on landowners along the route, according to land and property specialists Strutt & Parker.

The proposal is for the developer to invest £18 million in the construction of a 132kV overhead wood pole line to increase the capacity of the north Shropshire electricity distribution system.

A decision on the current development consent order (DCO) is expected from the government's planning inspectorate later this year and work may start as soon as early 2020.

Adam Jaeban, associate director and valuation expert in the Shrewsbury office of Strutt & Parker, said: “The DCO would give the developer the power to compulsorily purchase the land and the right to construct and operate the infrastructure.

“This work could lead to significant disruption for affected landowners. Not only will developers require land on which to erect the power line, but during the construction phase there will be a need for a much larger working width, access to the route and secure compounds for construction equipment.

“The long-term impact of the development includes the presence of the overhead poles and lines, which may make field operations more complicated, but also the rights the developer will have in the form of easements for their maintenance and repair.”

Mr Jaeban said affected landowners were advised to seek professional advice from the outset, to help them negotiate their claims and to agree terms which minimise future disturbances.

“It is important landowners are appropriately compensated for the reduced value of the land once the overhead cables have been installed and for all of their disturbance losses, including their own time incurred.”