A developer that wants to build a windfarm and install a network of electricity pylons crossing north Powys says it will "carefully consider" people's views before another public consultation is held next summer.

Bute Energy has thanked communities for having their say on plans for the Llyn Lort Energy Park, located between Llanerfyl and Cefn Coch, which could generate enough renewable energy to power the equivalent of nearly 144,000 homes.

The first round of consultation, which ran from September 6 to October 18, saw three drop-in sessions held locally in Llanfair Caereinion, Carno, and Cefn Coch, where people could view information, talk to the project team and have their say.

More than 200 people, which included Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams and MS Russell George, attended a public meeting held in Meifod last month to hear the plans. Jonathan Wilkson, chair of the group Montgomeryshire Against Pylons and county councillor for Meifod, said the consensus was a "unanimous opposition" to the proposal based on the reactions received at the meeting.

“The feeling was that this scheme of exporting power from Wales into England, power that people in Wales won’t have access to, would cut out any promised community benefits,” Cllr Wilkinson added.

County Times: People at the meeting in Meifod raise their hands to object to the pylon proposal.People at the meeting in Meifod raise their hands to object to the pylon proposal. (Image: Craig Williams)

Bute Energy says that as part of energy park project, a Community Benefit Fund will be established which is currently anticipated to deliver around £1.2m worth of investment per year locally.

Iain Foster, Project Manager at Bute Energy said: “It has been good to speak to local people about our plans and talk about the important role renewable energy has to play in responding to the Climate Emergency. There is endless potential for renewable energy in Wales – particularly from the wind that blows across our hills and mountains.

“Bute Energy is taking action now to help deliver clean, green energy to our homes and businesses, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and supporting the Welsh Government’s target for electricity to be 100 per cent renewable by 2035.

“We really appreciate people taking the time to let us know their thoughts on our initial proposals, and we will take them into account, alongside environmental and technical surveys, ahead of the next round of public consultation – expected in summer 2024.

“Local people also told us how the project’s Community Benefit Fund could support projects and causes close to their heart. Our Community Benefit team is focused on identifying local groups and services to engage with now to understand the needs and aspirations of the communities and how investment can deliver the maximum benefit for the local area.”

The proposed Llyn Lort Energy Park is classed as a Development of National Significance. This means that Bute Energy will apply to Planning and Environment Decisions Wales (PEDW) and a decision on the application will be made by Welsh Ministers. Bute Energy currently expect to finalise and submit a planning application to PEDW in late 2024, after thorough public engagement.

Llyn Lort Energy Park will connect to the electricity transmission network via Green GEN Vyrnwy Frankton, a new overhead line to be built by Green GEN Cymru, part of the Bute Energy Group.