An argument is breaking out across Wales over plans for a new pylon link from one end of the country to the other, potentially cutting through some the country’s most stunning landscapes.
The National Energy System Operator last year published plans for a new high tension link all the way from Bangor in North Wales to Swansea in the South. It was part of their Beyond 2030 consultation document. The plans could see new pylons erected across North, Mid and West Wales, potentially passing through the Eryri and Bannau Brycheiniog National Parks, as well as the Cambrian Mountains.
Now Cymdeithas Eryri Snowdonia Society, working with the Alliance of Welsh Designated Landscapes has launched a campaign against these plans. They are pointing out that the National Grid’s own Holford Rules say that new high voltage overhead lines should avoid National Parks altogether if possible.
The issue was raised in the Senedd on 11 June by Mabon Ap Gwynfor, MS. He raised the issue of the proposed Bangor to Swansea Link and suggested the that an off-shore route could be used, bearing in mind the Holford Rules1. The Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, stressed that the Welsh Government favours undergrounding new pylons where possible, adding that she has commissioned an Independent Advisory Group to look at grid infrastructure which is due to report by the end of this month.
Rory Francis, Director of Cymdeithas Eryri explains the campaign: “We’re fully behind plans to decarbonise the grid, but erecting new pylons over Cader Idris, the Rhinogydd Mountains, or indeed across the Cambrian Mountains would be an act of sacrilege, despoiling some of Wales’ most breathtaking landscapes. The National Grid has a policy, known as the Holford Rules, which calls on them to avoid National Parks if at all possible. We’re calling on them to follow this policy, by routing the line off-shore, around the coast, subject to satisfactory environmental assessment of the impact on marine life.
“Their plans in Beyond 2030 already include numerous undersea links between Scotland and Wales, Scotland and England and indeed England with England. This demonstrates that offshore electricity links are both practical and affordable and that they often provide what is overall the best practical option. If that’s the case, why can’t they route this line around the coast?”
Professor Terry Marsden, Chair of the Alliance of Welsh Designated Landscapes adds: “The Alliance supports decarbonisation policy in Wales, but recognises this presents significant challenges and opportunities for the effective maintenance of our Designated Landscapes. Landscape protection needs to go hand-in hand with decarbonisation with compatible policies and actions. We support the routing of necessary new conveyors of energy through coastal waters, such that they do not provide a landscape hazard to the public.”
Working together, the Alliance has set up a website to allow members of the public to contact their Senedd Members about this and to suggest that off-shoring the link under the sea should be the preferred option, subject to satisfactory environmental assessment. Already, eight members of the Senedd have signed a Statement of Opinion to make clear their support for this idea.
This campaign is being run jointly by Cymdeithas Eryri Snowdonia Society, The Alliance of Welsh Designated Landscapes, Campaign for National Parks, Friends of the Brecon Beacons, Friends of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the Cambrian Mountains Society, the Friends of the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley, the Gower Society and the BMC.
To contact your MSs and ask them to protect the landscape of Eryri, please click here.
Ends
Notes:
The Snowdonia Society is a member-based conservation charity that works with volunteers, local communities, organisations, businesses and individuals to help look after Snowdonia. Since 1967 the Snowdonia Society has worked tirelessly to ensure that Snowdonia is well-protected, well-managed and enjoyed by all. Through our conservation work we provide helping hands and a strong voice for Snowdonia’s special landscape. But ultimately it is about the heart – the relationships people have with the nature, landscape and culture of Snowdonia. www.snowdonia-society.org.uk
About the Alliance of Welsh Designated Landscapes
The Alliance exists to:
Its members include: the Brecon Beacons National Park Society, the Friends of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, the Snowdonia Society, the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales and the National Association for AONBs in Wales. https://www.afwdl.cymru/
The Snowdonia Society, established in 1967, is a member-based registered charity working to protect and enhance the beauty and special qualities of Eryri and to promote their enjoyment in the interests of all who live in, work in or visit the area both now and in the future.
JOIN as a member to support our work.
The Snowdonia Society
Caban, Brynrefail, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 3NR
info@snowdonia-society.org.uk
