‘Opposition to pylons not heeded’

THE leader of Anglesey Council has hit out at the National Grid, accusing the firm of not taking on board strong opposition to a new row of overhead pylons across the island.

In September, the Planning Inspectorate received the National Grid’s application to connect the planned Wylfa Newydd nuclear plant and marine energy developments in the Irish Sea with the main electricity network.

As a result, the new year will see inspectors hear observations both for and against the application before a decision is made on awarding the necessary Development Consent Order (DCO) to kickstart the work worth £700m, including a tunnel under the Menai.

But the plans have raised concerns, with many fearing the impact that a new row of about 100 overhead pylons, each 50 metres in height, could have on tourism and wellbeing, with a local campaign calling for the cables to be placed underground instead.

The leader of Anglesey Council, Cllr Llinos Medi, said: “We’re very concerned local views have not been considered. There is a clear consensus amongst the island’s elected representatives - we are unanimous in our opposition to a second line of pylons across Anglesey.”

But according to Grid officials, undergrounding would cost around £1bn - a price they say would end up being passed onto energy consumers.

The Secretary of State will ultimately make the decision on the overhead transmission plan.