Former MP calls for inquiry over pylons

A former MP has called for a public inquiry into plans to build a 30-mile long high voltage power line across parts of Shropshire and Mid Wales.

Lord Carlile of Berriew, a former Liberal Democrat MP for Montgomeryshire, has said today that the National Grid proposals would have a substantial impact on the area’s natural landscape.

“At the very least there must be a full public inquiry into the landscape consequences,” he said.

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National Grid bosses announced on Tuesday that they want to build a 30-mile power line from a new substation in Cefn Coch in Powys to Lower Frankton, near Oswestry. It will link windfarms in Mid Wales to the national power network.

It means the controversial scheme, costing up to £562 million, would see massive pylons put up through acres of Shropshire countryside.

The preferred route was chosen from 10 options, with the second potential substation at Abermule, near Newtown, being discounted.

The former MP’s call comes as campaigners against the other route options pledged to join forces with those who will be affected by the chosen route.

If Abermule had been chosen, the power line could have connected to Walford Heath, seven miles north of Shrewsbury, with pylons marching through parts of the Rea Valley in Worthen, Pontesbury and Minsterley.

Councillor Heather Kidd, Shropshire councillor for Chirbury and Worthen, said she was ‘delighted’ the Abermule option was not picked – but added the fight was not over. I’ve had e-mails already saying we now need to support everyone else,” she said.

And David Roberts, councillor for Loton, said: “We must be ready to help our neighbours fight this awful blight on the countryside.”

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne said: “I congratulate all those involved in making the case that the ‘purple south’ route along the Rea Valley would have wholly unacceptable environmental consequences.”