Star comment: Windfarm debate up in the air
The fast-approaching general election is a good opportunity for political decision-ducking.
Nobody wants to make a vote-losing announcement which will be fresh in the memories of people as they walk into the polling booths.
There is though much to be said for the announcement that a decision on whether controversial windfarms will be built in Mid Wales is being put off until after the general election.
Something rushed through before polling day would be a slap in the face for the objectors. And, as the new Parliament will, whoever wins most seats, be of a different complexion to a greater or lesser extent, it would probably be a waste of time as well. The incoming administration may have completely different thoughts.
On the bad side, people in Mid Wales and Shropshire who will be affected by the windfarms and the planned pylons which will carry the power they generate have been left waiting yet longer for a resolution one way or the other.
One businessman says the continued uncertainty is taking a toll of his health. Communities across a wide area find themselves in limbo. The shadow which has been cast has not been lifted. They have neither been sentenced nor reprieved. They are just waiting, waiting, waiting. The inquiry into the windfarm plans at various Mid Wales location began as long ago as June 2013.
It also means that people who want to use their democratic vote in the general election to influence events are being deprived of the opportunity. There is no decision announced which they can vote for or against. On this issue they will vote "blind" in May.
What the objectors are facing is a two-headed beast. One is the windfarms, and the other is the power line which will run for 33 miles to connect them to the national grid near Oswestry.
Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies is calling for work on the power line infrastructure to be suspended until things become clear about whether the windfarms are going ahead.
This is just common sense. You would not build the superstructure of a ship if there was a question mark over whether the hull would be built.
This delay brings with it the possibility of more delay as a fresh administration with a fresh eye looks at things, well, afresh. The Government has said the applications need careful consideration of the issues. On that, at least, all parties can agree.
