Major power line from Powys into Shropshire should be buried underground, says politician

Russell George, Welsh Assembly member for Montgomeryshire, outlined his position in relation to proposals for an electricity line from Powys into Shropshire.

Green GEN Cymru is proposing to develop a 132 kV electricity distribution connection for planned wind farms from a site in Powys to the existing national electricity transmission network in at Frankton near Oswestry.

The proposals have been for the line to be made up of 28-metre high 'steel lattice pylons'.

Mr George MS has this week asked Wales' First Minister to explore the undergrounding of the cables.

It comes as a statutory consultation launched today - February 19 - asking for views on the proposed line.

The consultation runs until April 16.

The project comprises a 132 kV collector substation near Cefn Coch, Powys, and approximately 45km of new overhead line on steel lattice pylons across areas of the Vyrnwy Valley in north Powys, to a switching station to connect to the national electricity network near to Lower Frankton, Shropshire.

A statement from Green GEN Cymru said the design of the connection is still open to influence and they are asking people to give their feedback.

Mr George said that the proposals are not acceptable due to the impact of an overhead pylon route across an area of natural beauty.

The Senedd Member also reiterated his views to the First Minister, Eluned Morgan MS this week during First Ministers Questions.

He has called for the Welsh and UK Governments to follow the example set by European Governments in mandating and funding the undergrounding of transmission cables, to protect the area’s natural beauty.

During First Ministers Questions, Mr George asked the First Minister why undergrounding remains largely dismissed as financially unviable when countries such as Germany and the Netherlands have successfully implemented policies requiring the undergrounding of power lines below 220 kV.

He challenged the Welsh Government on whether these issues were being actively discussed with UK Government counterparts and why similar funding mechanisms seen in Europe could not be applied in Wales.

In response, First Minister Eluned Morgan said that the cost of such upgrades must be balanced with affordability for energy users.

She pointed to an independent advisory group currently assessing new technologies and principles to determine the most appropriate solutions for Wales, suggesting that policy changes would be premature before their findings are reported.

Mr George has said that he is working closely with the campaign group Montgomeryshire Against Pylons and will work with them to oppose the current proposals.

He went on to point out that Powys residents had rallied previously rallied against large-scale infrastructure proposals over a decade ago.

A series of consultation events planned

As part of Green Gen Cymru’s consultation, they are holding a series of events. The locations, dates and times for events taking place in North Powys are as follows.

• Llanymynech Village Hall, Station Road, Llanymynech, Oswestry, Shropshire, SY22 6EE: Saturday 1 March - 10am - 3pm.

• Llanfair Caereinion Public Hall and Institute, Bridge Street, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, SY21 0RY: Thursday 6 March, 2pm - 7pm.

• Llansantffraid Community Centre, Treflan, Llansantffraid-Ym-Mechain, SY22 6AE: Friday 7 March - 2pm - 7pm.

• Meifod Village Hall Community Centre, Meifod, SY22 6DF: Saturday 8 March - 10am - 3pm.

Mr George said: "The proposed pylon route would have an unacceptable visual impact on an area of outstanding natural beauty.

"Other European nations, such as Germany and the Netherlands, mandate the undergrounding of transmission cables and Governments contribute funding to ensure feasibility. If they can do it, there is no reason why we can’t. The Welsh and UK Governments must act to support the undergrounding of this and other projects to avoid permanent environmental damage.

"I am disappointed that both Welsh and UK Government have not sufficiently explored the opportunities of understanding, and this is why I further questioned the First Minister this week on her properties.

"The industrialisation of our landscape with pylons criss-crossing Mid Wales hills and valleys is not acceptable.

"I urge residents to attend the events, and raise questions on the project, and in particular raise questions around the requirement to underground the transmission cables.”

Responses to this consultation can also be submitted in the following ways: Online feedback form at www.greengenvyrnwyfrankton.com, hard copy feedback form (available on request), or in writing to info@greengenvyrnwyfrankton.com or FREEPOST Green GEN Cymru V2F (no further stamp or address needed).

All documents, plans and maps showing the nature and location of the project, including the preliminary environmental information report, are available to download on the project website: www.greengenvyrnwyfrankton.com