Conservatives call for pylon clarification

Montgomeryshire & Glyndwr Conservatives have called upon Labour and Steve Witherden MP to clarify their position on plans for large scale pylon developments in mid Wales.

The Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last week unveiled plans for a new state-owned renewable energy company. Within his speech, the Prime Minister stated that rural areas and their new Labour MPs will have to accept electricity pylons running through their constituencies. The Prime Minister also suggested that pylon line cables would not be moved underground.

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Mid Wales Conservative politicians are calling upon Labour and Steve Witherden MP to make clear their position on plans for large scale pylon developments, in light of strong local opposition to development plans by Bute Energy and Green GEN Cymru.

Commenting, Russell George MS said:

“It is clear from the Prime Minister’s comments last week that new Labour MPs within rural areas are being asked to accept that large-scale electricity pylons will run through their constituencies, as part of the Labour Government’s plans for state-owned renewable energy. Furthermore, the Government seem determined to shoot down any local opposition to large onshore windfarm and pylon developments, forcing through planning and licensing measures as quickly as possible.

“This is very concerning news for areas such as Montgomeryshire, particularly given the strong local opposition which has been voiced against Bute Energy & Green GEN Cymru’s plans within the Vyrnwy Valley and Llangurig. We have already seen concerning tactics both companies had deployed against landowners in attempting to access land, before they were even granted license authority to do so.

“It is therefore imperative for Steve Witherden MP and the local Labour Party to clarify their positions regarding these plans and whether they are supporting the proliferation of large-scale electricity pylons across the constituency."

Llangyniew and Meifod County Councillor, Cllr Jonathan Wilkinson said:

“There are many concerns which have arisen from the Prime Minister’s comments last week. It is disappointing that there is no commitment to underground cables from Green GEN Cymru, despite the proven technology being there to do so. It appears that the Labour Government are determined to crush any local opposition to pylon developments, showing a complete disregard for our residents and communities.

“The impact of large lattice pylons criss-crossing Montgomeryshire & Glyndwr’s beautiful landscapes will be monumental, particularly upon our tourism industry. We need to know where our MP stands on these plans and whether his constituents can expect his support against any strong-arm tactics to force through pylon developments across the region.”