Earlier this month I joined hundreds of residents in voicing concerns about plans to build a 60kilometre stretch of pylons across the constituency. It was clear from the meeting that the pylons turbines are unwelcome and are an intrusion on our natural landscape.
Predicting there would be a degree of backlash to these proposals I happily travelled back from London specifically to attend the meeting and was eager to hear all opinions on the matter.
Around 400 people attended the meeting on the Royal Welsh Showground in Llanelwedd. The meeting was hosted by the Countryside Alliance to discuss plans put forward by Scottish firm Bute Energy. The scheme – called Nant Mithil – would see 36 wind turbines erected in the Radnor Forest. The turbines would be over 220metres high – two thirds of the height of the Eiffel Tower.
I am especially concerned that the 36 wind turbines, which is only half of the project, will be joined by the creation of a network of electricity pylons stretching across Crossgates above Llandrindod Wells, across the Epynt and down towards Carmarthen.
During the meeting, residents heard from the Campaign to Protect Rural Wales who advised on how to create a steering group to campaign against the plans. CPRW, along with the Countryside Alliance, believes that if the wind farm must go ahead, the accompanying pylons and cables must be buried to avoid spoiling the landscape.
I am meeting with representatives from Campaign to Protect Rural Wales this week and will be voicing community members’ concerns and will gather what our next steps should be.
My worry is that Radnorshire is consistently looked at as an attractive investment to energy firms, when in reality it should not be looked at as the sole bearer of our energy challenge. There is a significant motivation to look for alternative solutions, however, it is my and others belief that carpeting our outstanding countryside with turbines and pylons is not the right approach.
Since the meeting, Bute Energy have opened the plans to public consultation. Two meetings will take place in the constituency:
- Thursday 23 March, 2pm to 7:30pm – Montgomery Pavilion, Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, LD2 3SY
- Tuesday 28 March, 2pm to 7:30pm – Penybont District Community Centre, Penybont, nr Llandrindod Wells LD1 5UA
A copy of the plans and ways in which to contribute is at: https://www.greengentowyusk.com/index.php
I will continue to work with the recently formed steering group and look forward to doing whatever I can to work with them to oppose these pylons.
At a time when we need pour land for food production, environmental delivery and for local communities to grow and thrive, we ought to be looking at other options including nuclear and tidal first.
I urge everyone to attend the public consultation and have your opinions known.
