Local voices must come before ideology on Powys energy park

James Evans MS has urged the Plaid Cymru Welsh Government to ensure local voices are listened to as the Nant Mithil Energy Park application moves through its latest stage.

Planning and Environment Decisions Wales ( PEDW ) has opened a further consultation on additional information submitted by Bute Energy following a request from Planning Inspectors. Responses to the further information are open until June 26 2026.

The proposals for large-scale wind turbines at Radnor Forest have faced huge local opposition, with James Evans, Member of the Senedd for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd previously hosting a public meeting in Llandrindod Wells and raising concerns about the impact on the landscape, tourism, biodiversity and rural communities numerous times.

In the Senedd this week, James challenged Sian Gwenllian MS, the Cabinet Minister for Planning, and with responsibility for Developments of National Significance, on how she intends to handle major planning applications such as Nant Mithil. He warned that decisions must be based on evidence, local views and planning advice, not political ideology.

Responding, the Cabinet Minister said she would look at the evidence, listen to advice and listen to concerns, while noting that decisions must be made within the legal and policy framework.

James Evans MS, Member of the Senedd for Brycheiniog Tawe Nedd, said: “The latest consultation on Nant Mithil shows that serious questions remain about this application. Local people deserve a process that is transparent, thorough and genuinely listens to the concerns being raised.

“Radnorshire must not be treated as a dumping ground for industrial-scale energy developments. These proposals would have a huge impact on our landscape, our tourism sector, biodiversity and the rural communities that would be forced to live with them.

“We have seen before with Hendy Wind Farm what happens when ideology overtakes proper planning. The planning inspectorate at the time said no, local people said no, and Powys' own planning department said no, yet Welsh Labour still approved it. The new Planning Minister now has an opportunity to show that this Plaid Cymru Welsh Government will do things differently. Local voices, local planning advice and the evidence in front of PEDW must come before ideology.”