Calls to remove ‘loophole’ causing developers to ‘scar’ parts of Conwy

Llŷr Gruffydd MS says the move would prevent developers from erecting pylons that would “scar” the area’s countryside.

The Plaid Cymru MS has been contacted by residents in places such as Corwen, Llangernyw, and Bodelwyddan, who had concerns about the possibility of pylons being built in their areas.

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Plaid Cymru put forward a motion in the Senedd that would ban developers from building electricity pylons and would instead force them to build power lines underground.

Although Welsh Government says it would prefer developers to build power lines underground, its Planning Policy Wales document still allows electricity pylons to be built in a number of circumstances.

Speaking after the debate in which the Plaid Cymru motion was put forward, Mr Gruffydd said: “As a party, Plaid Cymru wants it to be mandatory for all new electricity distribution lines in Wales to be placed underground rather than conveyed through overhead lines.

“Though, it is currently the preferred position of Welsh Government that new power lines should be placed underground where possible we at Plaid Cymru believe that this does not go far enough.

“Plaid Cymru believes that wherever physically possible the undergrounding of new power lines shall be undertaken by way of cable ploughing in preference to open trenching.

“Developers are able to take advantage of what is effectively a loophole in the current planning system to build electricity pylons in areas where they shouldn’t be built.

“Residents in places such as Corwen, Llangernyw, and Bodelwyddan have been very concerned about the possibility of electricity pylons being built in their areas.

“They are angry and frustrated that the planning system allows for this to happen.”