A FAMOUS landscape has been improved thanks to a £180,000 project to remove overhead power lines.

UK Power Networks have replaced 1.5km of overhead power lines at Flatford Mill with underground cables.

The historic site is now completely free of electricity cables and poles.

The final cables and poles were removed at the end of last month, at the site which is within the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and home to the National Trust-owned property Bridge Cottage.

Councillor Nigel Chapman, chairman of the Dedham Vale AONB Joint Advisory Committee, said: “We are delighted to be working with UK Power Networks to improve the special landscape of the Dedham Vale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

“The project, to replace overhead lines with underground cable here at Flatford, has resulted in a dramatic and instant enhancement to one of the country’s most recognisable locations. This much treasured landscape is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike and the improvements will have a far reaching effect on the visitor experience.”

The site is one of the most famous in the UK, and was immortalised by John Constable who regularly painted the site, and in particular Bridge Cottage.

Project manager Lee Bodfield said: “This project has seen the last of our overhead electricity lines removed from this beautiful site.

“Not only have the views been improved but the electricity supplies to residents in the area have been made more reliable as a result of this work. Overhead power lines can sometimes be affected by elements beyond the company’s control such as the weather or tree branches touching the lines. As part of the project, we have installed two new substations which are hidden from view and these will also help boost electricity supplies in the area.”

Each year thousands of visitors flock to the site.

Verity Hales, property operations manager for the National Trust at Flatford, said: “We are thrilled that the work undertaken by UK Power Networks in Flatford has been completed.

“The project is a leading example of what can be achieved by working together to the enhancement of the environment in general and specifically for us to look after the beautiful landscape that was so loved by Constable, with many views around Flatford inspiring some of his most well-known paintings. With this improvement we can continue to captivate visitors for future generations to love this special place.”