With the United Kingdom committed to producing 20% of its
electricity from renewable sources by the year 2020, there seems
to be an acceptance within the general public that
sustainability has become a key issue in everyday life. But with
around 50% of planning applications for new wind farms rejected
in 2010, is the country being realistic in pursuit of its
ambitious target? When new onshore turbines are proposed, local
residents rarely consider the environmental advantage, instead
often opposing them based on visual impact on the surrounding
habitat. Yet, there are rarely the same concerns when it comes
to the hundreds of electricity pylons spanning the countryside.
Why are there less objections when it comes to electricity
pylons? Is it a matter of scale? Do people find pylons more
visually appealing? Have they just come to accept their
appearance over time? Perhaps it is to do with our own attitude
and perception. The impact of electricity pylons is instant,
with electricity immediately available at the f