A North Wales AM has called for a full and frank public consultation over proposals for new overground power lines to connect wind farms in Conwy and Denbighshire to the National Grid.
SP Energy Networks are working with a number of wind farm developers in North Wales to secure grid connections for energy projects in and around the Clocaenog Forest. Options for the overground connection routes, which are yet to be finalised, are likely to be controversial and meet with resistance from homeowners living in close proximity to the lines.
Darren Millar said:
‘The Welsh Government’s disastrous wind farm planning policies have led to a cluster of developments in and around the Clocaenog Forest without proper regard for connections to the National Grid.
‘Local power lines do not have sufficient capacity to accommodate all of the new developments and utility companies are proposing new overhead cables to connect them to the grid.
‘Emerging proposals indicate that these cables will travel over ground for many miles. There is no doubt that they will be considered an eyesore by some and a health risk by others – particularly homeowners living in areas along the proposed routes.
‘I have already met with SP Energy Networks to express concerns about their plans.
‘It is critical that they embark on a full public consultation as soon as possible to allow those living in the areas which could be affected to have their say and influence the proposals.’
