Welsh Conservatives have condemned the First Minister’s ‘ignorance and apathy’ towards engagement with mid Wales communities over the National Grid’s plans for a network of pylons.
Shadow Minister for Environment, Russell George AM, has obtained a document prepared for Renewable UK and passed to the Welsh Government, which details a number of alternatives to the controversial proposals.
These include other overhead and underground connection options that the report suggests would not be as intrusive on the landscape. Despite this, none of the alternatives appear to have been pursued or even considered by the First Minister.
Referring to wind farm development and speaking in June last year, Carwyn Jones said “the Welsh Government believes this level of development is unacceptable in view of its wider impacts on the local area.” He went on to say “my government would not support the construction of large pylons in mid Wales”.
Since then he has refused to properly engage with communities affected, take other options into account or condemn the National Grid’s plans for the construction of large pylons.
Mr George has also highlighted the First Minister’s refusal to consider extra significant assistance for Powys Council, which is currently meeting the cost of a public inquiry, triggered by its refusal to grant planning permission to five large wind farm developments.
He said:
“The First Minister has shown nothing but ignorance and apathy towards the National Grid’s plans.
“His refusal to condemn the pylon network and his failure to engage with the company and communities amounts to a shameful betrayal.
“We now know a number of alternative solutions have been suggested and thousands of people will rightly question why they have been ignored. How can the First Minister be standing up for Wales if he can’t be bothered to consider these options or speak to those affected?
“Powys Council has every right to object to these planning applications and further financial assistance should be forthcoming.
“These plans will decimate the mid Wales countryside and it’s about time the First Minister practiced what he preached, engaged with those affected, stood up for Welsh communities, and acted on their concerns.”
