Pylon route hit by landowner mystery

Plans to erect a multi-million pound pylon route through the heart of Montgomeryshire have hit a snag – after it was revealed no-one knows who owns some of the land!

The controversial route has been chosen by National Grid to deliver power from windfarms currently in the planning process and earmarked for the west of the shire. Those plans also include a 20-acre power station at Cefn Coch.

But the power company admits that some of the land it wants to erect the pylons onto and run cables under appears to be unregistered. It says they need to find out who owns them so environmental, archaeological and engineering surveys can be carried out.

Lead Project Manager, Jeremy Lee, said: “We appreciate people want to know as soon as possible where we propose to build the new connection and substation, and these surveys are an important part of moving our proposals forward. We are grateful to the large number of landowners who have provided us with information and allowed us to go onto their land, however, we do still need to identify the owners of this unregistered land.

“We are currently undertaking surveys on land where we have been granted access by landowners on a voluntary basis, however we are asking people to come forward if they have any information on this unregistered land which may help us identify its owners. This is important as we would like their permission to carry out surveys and also to consult with them as the project continues.”

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact midwaleslrs@brutonknowles.co.uk.

Meanwhile, local protest groups are in the process of preparing themselves for a full public enquiry into the windfarm applications which will take place in June at the Royal Oak, Welshpool.