A recent development project in Wales has stirred controversy as a caravan park owner expressed concerns that the installation of electric power lines in the area could have a devastating impact on his business. The Vyrnwy Frankton project proposed by Green GEN Cymru aims to construct power lines connecting a substation near Cefn Coch in Powys to the existing network near Lower Frankton in Shropshire. This initiative is part of the effort to increase network capacity and support renewable energy integration to combat the climate crisis. The plan includes the construction of a 400kV substation and 171 pylons along a 45km route, with an average height of 28.5 metres.
The potential implications of this project have raised concerns among local residents and businesses, particularly those reliant on tourism. Ed Williams, the owner of Bryn Vyrnwy caravan park, voiced his apprehensions about the proximity of the power lines to his business, stating, “It’s going to ruin my business… They say they’ve considered tourism, but I don’t think they have at all.” Powys County councillor Gwynfor Thomas also criticised Green GEN Cymru for allegedly failing to consult adequately with park users and local communities affected by the development. The lack of transparency in the consultation process has sparked further discontent among residents and landowners.
In addition to the caravan park owner’s worries, residents like Shaun and Sarah Sheppard from Crickheath have highlighted environmental concerns regarding the project. The impact on the natural landscape, including the potential felling of trees and destruction of hedgerows, has been a point of contention. Shaun Sheppard expressed his worries, stating, “There is a huge amount of cost that will go into it, and it’s an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty… It’s a destruction of the natural environment.” The uncertainty surrounding the exact route and locations of the pylons has also raised questions about the project’s long-term effects on property values and residents’ quality of life.
Green GEN Cymru’s external affairs manager, Owen Jones, defended the project, emphasising the importance of public engagement and feedback in the planning process. Jones highlighted the evolution of the project based on community input and reassured residents of the opportunity to voice their concerns and suggestions. He encouraged a collaborative approach, stating, “What we want is people coming and saying, ‘These two or three pylons are my main concern, can they be moved slightly?’ And if a landowner is coming in and saying, ‘I graze on this field and I plough on this one, I would rather it in the grazing field.'”
Despite the ongoing discussions and consultations, the future of the Vyrnwy Frankton project remains uncertain. A planning application is expected to be submitted next year, with construction potentially commencing in 2027 and lasting for two years. Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback on the project until April 16. More information on the development can be found on the project website, offering a platform for engagement and dialogue on the proposed infrastructure changes in the region.
The clash between development initiatives and local concerns highlights the challenges of balancing progress with community interests and environmental preservation. As the debate surrounding the Vyrnwy Frankton project continues, all stakeholders are urged to participate in the dialogue and contribute to shaping the future of the region collaboratively. The outcome of this deliberation will not only impact the immediate vicinity but also set a precedent for sustainable development and community engagement in similar projects across the country.