Demolition of eyesore pylons is a step closer
A 3G pitch could be installed at a Gwynedd Rugby Club after an application was submitted to council planners.
Gwynedd Council has received a submission from Caernarfon Rugby Club for a new synthetic surface on part of the existing training ground on Y Morfa.
APLAN to remove eyesore overhead pylons from a Gwynedd beauty spot has been submitted to county councillors.
The National Grid wants to demolish 10 pylons and replace them with a 3km tunnel under the Dwyryd Estuary.
The move is aimed at reducing the visual impact on the area which sits partly in Snowdonia National Park.
According to the National Grid, the project aims to enhance the landscape from Garth on the edge of Penrhyndeudraeth to Cilfor on the opposite side of the Dwyryd Estuary.
The scheme forms part of the £500m Visual Impact Provision (VIP) programme to remove overhead pylons in areas of outstanding natural beauty.
Chris Baines, Chair of the VIP project’s national independent stakeholder advisory group, said: “By working with a range of stakeholders at a national and local level, we have a major opportunity
The 60m x 40m pitch would be suitable for football as well as Rugby, but would not be full-size and suitable only for skills training or smaller scale matches.
If approved and the plans come to fruition, it would be the latest in a line of such facilities in Gwynedd, with Bangor already boasting such to preserve and enhance the landscape across the Dwyryd Estuary.
“Those familiar with this part of the Snowdonia National Park will be aware synthetic pitches at both Nantporth and Bangor University’s Treborth playing fields – the homes of Bangor City FC and Bangor 1876 respectively.
“It is understood that main use of the pitch will be for rugby training,” notes the access report accompanying the application. of the positive impact the removal of the pylons will have on the views across this wonderful place.”
If approved, two new tunnel head
“However it will also be suitable for football training in mini football matches. The pitch size is large enough to accommodate the following mini football pitches. 1 No U10/11, 2 No U9 or 4 No U7/8.
“The pitch surface will not be suitable for sports such as hockey, tennis, netball etc.” houses will give access to the tunnel, and a compound at the eastern end will connect the cables back to the overhead line.
Work on the project would commence in 2021 with construction complete and the pylons removed in 2026.
The section of overhead line, built in 1966, is part of the 400kV electricity route connecting the Pentir substation near Bangor with the former Trawsfynydd Power Station, now a 400kV substation.
Eloise Frank, National Grid VIP Project Manager, said: “This is a unique project, in that it’s been stakeholder-driven from the outset. We’ve listened and responded to those who know the area well and have been able to develop a proposal that will significantly enhance the landscape.
“The planning application is a significant milestone and in developing the plans for the tunnel and the associated infrastructure, we have taken on board advice from a variety of local experts, organisations and landowners, as well as the local community in the nearby towns and villages.”