New homes 'should not be built near power lines'

Developers should avoid building new homes within 60 metres of high voltage electricity lines or within 30 metres of lower voltage lines because of the potential damage that could be caused, a group of MPs has advised.

Admitting that scientific data on the subject was still unclear, MPs suggested that builders should err on the side of caution.

The Guardian has reported that the committee heard evidence from Barratt Homes asserting that properties near power lines are already selling for up to 25 per cent less than more typical homes.

"I've always got the view in science that if you don't know something it is generally better to err on the side of caution, rather than to look back in 20 years time and say, if only we had done more 20 years ago," commented committee chair Howard Stoate, according to the Guardian.

The news was welcomed by two Manchester parents who believe their son's death from leukaemia was caused by electromagnetic fields, the Manchester Evening News has reported.


© Adfero Ltd