Clwyd West AM Darren Millar is concerned that an energy supplier is pressing ahead with overground power lines to connect wind farms in rural Conwy and Denbighshire to the National Grid in spite of local opposition.
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 in Denbighshire. Options for the overground connection routes have been controversial and have been met with resistance from homeowners living in close proximity to the lines.
Darren, who has previously met with SP Energy Networks to express concerns about their plans, had hoped that SP Energy Networks would listen to the views of locals and bury the cables underground. He was therefore disappointed to receive confirmation today that plans for overhead cables will be moving forward.
He said:
"My constituents are concerned that these cables will be eyesore and a possible health risk, particularly for homeowners living in areas along the proposed routes and I am extremely disappointed at SP Energy’s reluctance to change their plans and bury the cables underground.
"Together with already consented windfarms, there will eventually be 94 turbines forming an unbroken spine of industrialisation 8km long on the Clocaenog plateau. These, along with miles of overland cables to connect them all to the National Grid, will result in a massive scar on our beautiful North Wales countryside.
"Overhead powerlines should only be installed where they enjoy the support of the local community, not in areas where they are to the detriment of our beautiful countryside, woodland, wildlife tourism and property prices."