Llandeilo group set up to oppose pylons along Towy Valley

The committee says it has strong links with similar initiatives in Llanarthne and Llandovery, and will share resources and information to co-ordinate efforts to oppose the proposals.  

A petition, organised by local Plaid Cymru Senedd Members Adam Price and Cefin Campbell, opposing proposals by Bute Energy for pylons along the Towy Valley has gained almost 2,000 signatures.

Chair of the Llandeilo team Daljit Singh said: “Our main message, at this time, is for farmers and other property or land owners not to take the bait, and not sign contracts, which Bute Energy are putting in front of them, without taking legal advice. I feel it is important that people are not being rushed into a decision they may regret in the long term.”

Landscapes campaigner Havard Hughes said: “The scheme cannot be seen in isolation. The Welsh Government’s Future Wales 2040 Development Plan as well as Carmarthenshire County Council’s abolition of all 18 Special Landscape Areas in the new Local Plan - including the Special Landscape of the Towy Valley - are playing into the hands of the energy company."

Earlier this year, renewable energy developer Bute Energy wrote to local landowners in the Towy Valley outlining proposals for a new 60-mile 132Kv electricity connection from Nant Mithil Energy Park located east of Llandrindod Wells, to the existing electricity network between Carmarthen and Pont Abraham.

The proposals, which could see the erection of 27-meter-high pylons along the valley, has caused concern locally over the impact on the natural beauty and heritage of the valley.

Committee member Christoph Fischer said: “The thought of massive, ugly pylons running past landmarks like Paxton Tower and spoiling iconic views of Dryslwyn or Dinefwr Castle is worrying.

“In England, Denmark and recently in Snowdonia pylons are being taken down and energy cables put underground. Surely, we must show the same concern for our nature, landscape and tourism.”

Chair of the Llandeilo team is local resident Daljit Singh, supported by Bron Jones as secretary, landscape campaigner Havard Hughes, Darren Temple as research officer, and local councillors Cllr. Simon Brownshill, Cllr. Christoph Fischer, Cllr. John Hampton and Cllr. Gordon Kilby.

The group welcomes any other activists to join the committee or to help with work on the ground. Llandeilo steering group can be contacted via llandeilopylongroup@gmail.com.

An example of the pylon that Bute Energy propose. (Image: Bute Energy)

READ MORE

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Statement from Bute Energy

Gareth Williams, Bute Energy’s Grid Director, said: "At Bute Energy our ambtion is to power Wales with clean, green energy and empower local communities through investment, jobs and skills. We're based in Wales, developing a unique solution for Wales.

“Green GEN Cymru, part of the Bute Energy Group, is proposing Green GEN Towy Usk: a new 132kV overhead electricity distribution line which will connect the Nant Mithil Energy Park, which will generate around 237MW of clean, green energy in the Radnor Forest area, to the National Grid at a point near Carmarthen.

“We are currently engaging with landowners to help us develop a detailed and accurate assessment of potential routes. Surveying land does not mean it will form part of the route or have infrastructure placed on it. And before we do any surveys, we will agree the scope of work and timing with landowners.

“As our agent’s letter to landowners states, we suggest that landowners seek professional advice before agreeing to surveys. And as a matter of course, Bute Energy will pay landowners reasonably incurred professional costs.

“In March 2023, we will be engaging widely with local communities including holding public consultation events to ask local people, landowners and other stakeholders for their views on our proposals, as well as suggestions for delivering a Community Benefit Fund to communities on the route.

"We will take account of commitments received as we develop detailed proposals, which will be subject to further consultation before submitting any application for approval to Welsh Government as a Development of National Significance (DNS).

“While we are still at an early stage, any proposed grid infrastructure will seek to keep the impact on communities to a minimum, and distribute clean, green energy in the most economic and future proof way.

"This approach to expanding the Welsh electricity grid is quicker, cheaper, and less disruptive than the alternatives.

"It will also allow direct connection of community and other renewable projects, while reducing pressure on the existing electricity grid, suporting energy resiliencence, enabling green heating and the roll out of electric vehicles across Wales.

“We are in a climate emergency and a cost-of-living crisis, and our supply of energy is threatened by world events. Bute Energy is acting now, taking positive proactive steps to help address these issues, while investing in rural communities in Wales to help them have a healthy future.”