COUNCILLORS in Builth Wells are encouraging locals to voice their opinions on renewable energy proposals to install a 60-mile network of electricity pylons through Powys.

Green GEN Cymru plans would, if approved, see a network of pylons and wind turbines being constructed throughout the picturesque Powys countryside, stretching from the Radnor Forest, through the heart of the county and all the way down to Carmarthen.

The GEN Towy Usk project, part of a collaboration between Green GEN Cymru and Scottish firm Bute Energy, has generated anger at public meetings in recent months, with hundreds packing into exhibitions in Builth and Penybont during a two-month long initial consultation.

Despite some hostility at public events, Builth Wells Town Council says it has received very little correspondence from local residents – and it is now urging people to submit their opinions on proposals.

Wales Farmer: A 'No To Pylons' sign just outside Cilmeri, near Builth Wells, overlooking the picturesque Epynt and Cambrian Mountains A 'No To Pylons' sign just outside Cilmeri, near Builth Wells, overlooking the picturesque Epynt and Cambrian Mountains (Image: Matt Jones)

“In our recent town council meeting, the impact of Bute Energy proposals for wind farms was discussed. There are concerns about how this will affect our community,” said the council in a post on its Facebook page on Thursday.

“We have received very few letters from local residents outlining their concerns, but to move forward and represent the whole community we need to know how you would like us to proceed.

“In the next few weeks we will be asking for your opinions on this and try to forge a way forward.

“There are a lot of groups currently working who are against the wind farms, but not a group for Builth. If you are against this project then we all need to speak in one voice for a better outcome.

"Please keep a look out for the survey.

“We will be placing this out on the notice boards around the town available to us. The council was aware of these proposals and councillors have been to meetings around the area.”

A Facebook group has been launched opposing the proposed network, with RE-Think: Don't Break the Heart of Wales’ protesters campaigning against plans and speaking to locals at the Builth meeting, held at the Royal Welsh Showground’s Montgomery Pavilion at the end of March.

One member launched a petition calling for an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) to be established in Mid Wales. It collected more than 1,000 signatures but was rejected by the Senedd in April. The Senedd said there is already a petition about the issue and that it cannot accept a new petition when there is already one about a very similar issue, or if the Petitions Committee has considered one in the last year.

The Green GEN Cymru proposal is to establish a new 132kV double-circuit overhead line, supported on steel pylons, between a substation at Bute Energy’s Nant Mithil Energy Park near Llandegley and a new substation on the existing National Grid line between Carmarthen and Pont Abraham.

Wales Farmer: A poignant message left on plans at a public exhibition in Builth in March A poignant message left on plans at a public exhibition in Builth in March (Image: Matt Jones)

Green Gen Cymru confirmed they will be publishing a report summarising the feedback received in this initial round of consultation.

They will then carry out a detailed environmental impact assessment and hold further public consultation, so that residents can provide their views on the detailed route alignment.

Gareth Williams, grid director at Bute Energy, said: “As a nation we’re in a climate emergency and a cost-of-living crisis.

“There is endless potential for renewable energy in Wales – particularly from the wind that blows across our hills and mountains.

“Bute Energy is taking action to help deliver clean green energy to our homes and businesses by developing the energy network in Wales. This will help tackle both the energy crisis and the climate crisis and make sure that local communities can live modern electric lives with less reliance on fossil fuels.”

To voice your opinion on proposals, contact Builth Wells Town Council via email on builthwellstowncouncil@btconnect.com.

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