Concern over wind farm connection

Local politicians are calling for full details to be revealed over concerns that a proposed wind farm near Newtown could result in new pylons running through our countryside.

Montgomeryshire’s political representatives, Craig Williams MP and Russell George AM, have both reacted to EDF Renewables’ proposals to develop a wind farm south of Newtown, calling for further detail as to the capacity of the development and how it would be connected to the National Grid.

EDF Renewables have today announced plans to develop a wind farm south of Newtown called Garn Fach, consisting of up to 22 turbines. The application will be determined by the Welsh Government.

Reacting to the announcement, Craig Williams MP said: “This application is still in its infancy, and so far very little detail has been given as to the development’s capacity and how it would operate. In particular, it needs to be ascertained as to how the wind farm would connect to the National Grid. I believe that a grid connection application is still to be submitted and that there are currently no fixed plans as to how power would be transferred to the grid.

“I will be engaging actively with local communities and councillors in the coming months to establish a way forward.”

Russell George AM added: “We have seen applications such as this before. The key question is how the power produced from this proposed wind farm is going to be connected to the National Grid.

“As I understand it, there has been no agreement on the grid connection. Disappointingly, the wind farm application will be determined by the Welsh Government, rather than by Powys County Council and local communities. I passionately believe that important planning decisions should be made closest to the people they affect.”