AS the first stage of a consultation process over controversial plans to build a 60-mile network of pylons through Powys comes to a close, politicians have reiterated their opposition.

The Green Gen Cymru plans include proposals to create a clean and green renewable energy network that would see a substation and 36 wind turbines being built in the heart of the Radnor Forest, between New Radnor and Llandegley, and the introduction of pylons carrying electricity between Powys and Carmarthenshire.

The proposals have caused significant controversy and concern among residents in both Powys and Carmarthenshire, with several community groups established to oppose the proposed pylons, together with widespread criticism and concern from local county councillors and Senedd Members.  

Opponents say the network of pylons would irreversibly change the picturesque Powys countryside forever.

The initial Green Gen Cymru consultation period drew to a close at midnight last Friday (April 28), and local Plaid Cymru politicians have reiterated their opposition to the plans. 

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“Over recent weeks I have received hundreds of emails, letters and phone calls from residents across Powys and Carmarthenshire expressing grave concerns over the proposed overhead line,” said Cefin Campbell, Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd for Mid & West Wales.

“I have also attended many of the public meetings arranged locally and as part of the consultation process, to better understand the proposals and strength of local feeling.

“In countries across Europe, and increasingly in many areas of the UK, we’re seeing a growing precedent for overhead lines to be buried underground. I have no doubt that if this project is to proceed, undergrounding should be the preferred option – helping to safeguard Mid Wales and Carmarthenshire’s natural beauty and rich historical heritage.

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“Whilst this consultation phase has focused on the proposed overhead lines, I have also received a sizable degree of correspondence regarding the proposed onshore development at Nant Mithil in the Radnor Forest.

“Plaid Cymru fully supports renewable energy generation – particularly community-owned, or offshore schemes. I do, however, appreciate the concerns cited regarding the scale and size of this proposed windfarm and have relayed this to the developers.”  

Green Gen Cymru’s plans include a new 132kV double-circuit overhead line, supported on steel pylons, between a substation on the Nant Mithil Energy Park in the Radnor Forest area and a new substation, to be developed by National Grid, on the existing 400kV transmission line near Llandyfaelog, between Carmarthen and Pont Abraham. 

As part of the consultation process, which ran from March 6 to April 28, Green Gen Cymru held a series of public meetings at locations along the proposed route, including at Builth Wells, Penybont, Llandeilo and Llandovery – with hundreds of local residents attending to learn more about the proposals.  

There were also more ad hoc localised meetings, held in Hundred House and Llanwrtyd Wells.

County Times: Proposals as part of the Green GEN Cymru plans Proposals as part of the Green GEN Cymru plans (Image: Matt Jones)

An online petition launched by Plaid Cymru in favour of undergrounding has gained over 3,000 signatories, while Plaid Cymru-led Carmarthenshire County Council voted unanimously to oppose the proposed pylon route.

Earlier this year, having been challenged in the Senedd by Mr Campbell, Julie James, the Welsh Government’s climate change minister, confirmed that “electricity transmission cables should be placed underground where possible”. 

Green Gen Cymru will be publishing a report summarising the feedback received in this round of consultation and how this has influenced their proposals.

They will then carry out a detailed environmental impact assessment and hold further public consultation.