Paying up for the pylon plan losses

Compensation paid to landowners near a new transmission line will be based on what the land would have been worth before the company announced its plans, says Transpower.

Hundreds of landowners from Waikato to Manukau got hand-delivered letters yesterday telling them exactly where their properties were in relation to the 500m-wide path along which 490 giant steel towers will carry the company's new 400kV transmission line.

The line is planned to run from Whakamaru in the Waikato to Otahuhu in South Auckland.

Although confirmation of the route may have intensified anger among residents, Transpower is hoping they will talk.

"We know action groups have advised people to put trespass notices up and not allow us on properties, but we're stressing it is in the residents' interests to talk to us," company spokesman Chris Roberts said.

"A farmer might want us to move a tower 20m south. Talking to us will help decide where that tower might go."

Compensation will be discussed with landowners in relation to the 65m-wide "easement" the company needs on land titles to be able to build the line.

Compensation would be based on the loss of value.

"If a property was worth $1 million and an independent valuer says that with the lines it's now worth $800,000, then we will pay $200,000," he said.

Transpower says the line will pass directly over five houses along the 190km route.

Those are likely to be properties the company buys outright, although it is offering to talk with any landowner about buying properties, Mr Roberts said.

Jon Addison, spokesman for residents' group Underground in Manukau, said the community was set on fighting the plan.

"Everyone was a bit down in the mouth this morning but I think they've picked themselves up and their resolve has been strengthened," he said.

Ron Chitty, who owns a 161ha stud farm at Whitford, said he would not sell despite the fact the proposed line runs "right through the property from one end and out the other".

"We're an international thoroughbred stud and this is some of the loveliest country near Auckland. We are not going to up and sell."

Neighbour Cathy Sherning said she believed residents were united in vowing to fight the overhead line but landowners could not be blamed for talking compensation.

"You can't blame people for not wanting to put their lives on hold," she said.

Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis urged residents to fight at least until the Electricity Commission made its decision next year on whether the transmission line should go ahead.

He called Transpower's plans "half-baked'.

"This has got a long way to go yet."

Two views

* For: "A farmer might want us to move a tower 20m south. Talking to us will help decide where that tower might go." - Transpower spokesman Chris Roberts

* Against: "This has got a long way to go yet." - Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis