Fay has sent a letter to Green Generation Energy Networks Cymru Ltd in response to their public consultation on their draft Pylon route alignment for Towy Usk.
Please read her letter here:
"As the Member of Parliament for Brecon and Radnorshire, I am writing to express formal and robust opposition to the proposals put forward by Green Generation Energy Networks Cymru Ltd, a subsidiary of Bute Energy Development Holdings Ltd, for the installation of wind turbines and the associated infrastructure of electricity pylons across Mid Wales.
This opposition is rooted deeply in the multitude of concerns raised by my constituents, a summary of which I will outline, to demonstrate the profound and widespread impact these proposals would have on our community, landscape, and local economy.
Impact on Natural Beauty, Tourism, and local jobs:
Mid Wales is celebrated for its breathtaking natural landscapes, attracting tourists from across the globe. The introduction of large pylons and wind turbines threatens to ruin these scenic views, thereby diminishing their allure and, consequently, their appeal to tourists. Tourism plays a vital role in supporting local income and employment. The proposed infrastructural developments risk compromising the area's visual integrity, which is renowned for its exceptional beauty. These landscapes are essential not only for tourism but also as sources of community pride and historical significance. The substantial industrial presence of the planned pylons and turbines would irrevocably transform these vistas, undermining the aesthetic and recreational qualities that draw numerous visitors and sustain local businesses and local jobs.
Ecological and Environmental Concerns:
The construction and operation of pylons and wind turbines in our ecologically sensitive area could have devastating environmental impacts. Our community is rich in biodiversity, hosting a variety of species, some of which are protected or endangered, and includes unique ecosystems like peat bogs that act as crucial carbon sinks. Erecting these structures risks significant and irreversible harm to wildlife populations and natural habitats through disturbance and potential habitat destruction. Furthermore, the visual intrusion of pylons could disrupt the rural and unspoiled nature of our landscapes, which are essential for both biodiversity and community well-being.
Health and Well-being Implications:
There are growing concerns regarding the potential health consequences of living near high-voltage power lines. Research has indicated possible links between the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emitted by these structures and various health issues, notably an increased risk of leukaemia, particularly in children. Such findings are supported by:
- The Draper Study: One of the most significant UK studies was led by Dr. Gerald Draper from the University of Oxford. The study found that children living within 200 meters of high-voltage power lines at birth had an increased risk of developing leukaemia.
- UK Childhood Cancer Study: This comprehensive study suggests that more research is needed to conclusively determine the relationship between EMF exposure and health outcomes.
- SAGE Report: The Stakeholder Advisory Group on ELF EMFs (SAGE) has also assessed the implications of EMF exposure in the UK. They focus on recommending measures to mitigate exposure risks, especially in sensitive areas like schools and residential zones.
- Government and Health Protection Agency Reports: The UK Health Protection Agency (now part of Public Health England) has published reports summarising the scientific evidence on EMFs. These reports conclude there is a potential association between EMF exposure and a small increase in the risk of leukaemia in children.
While these studies contribute valuable data, the scientific community generally supports ongoing research in this area due to the inconsistent findings and the evolving nature of technology and exposure patterns. The need for further research is driven by the desire to better understand these relationships, refine measurement techniques, and potentially identify any long-term health implications, especially for vulnerable populations like children.
In addition to physical health risks, the mental well-being of local residents is also compromised by the visual disruption and continuous noise generated by these power lines, intensifying community apprehensions and objections.
Economic and Property Impact:
The presence of large industrial structures such as pylons is anticipated to cause a depreciation in property values, which will result in severe financial consequences for homeowners, potentially leading to negative equity. This downturn could have far-reaching effects on the broader economic stability of the region, impacting not only individual property owners but also the wider community's economic health and resilience. Furthermore, a likely decline in tourism could adversely affect local businesses and employment within the tourism sector, which are crucial to the livelihood of many constituents, extending the economic impact to other businesses reliant on this sector as well.
Cultural Heritage and Landscape Integrity:
Our region is steeped in cultural and historical richness, deeply intertwined with the landscape that has been preserved and cherished for generations. The industrialisation of our rural settings through the installation of pylons and turbines presents a significant threat, not only by diminishing the historical and cultural significance of these areas but also by causing physical and visual intrusions. Preserving our cultural heritage is vital for maintaining community identity, supporting tourism, and bolstering educational initiatives. The impact of such developments will compromise the very essence of our community's legacy and its connection to the past.
Community and Social Impact:
The imposition of such a large-scale project could lead to social unrest, as evidenced by the extensive opposition from a wide cross-section of the community. The sense of place and community well-being are paramount, and the prospect of living in the shadow of towering structures could lead to increased stress and disruption of the community fabric.
Alternative Renewable Energy Solutions and Implementation:
While the shift towards renewable energy is essential and widely acknowledged, the method of its implementation must be carefully considered to minimise damage. It is crucial that this transition respects both the natural and social environments. Viable alternatives such as offshore wind energy, which do not impose the same level of impact on rural communities and landscapes, should be prioritised. Additionally, if onshore wind energy infrastructure is deemed necessary, it must be implemented with the utmost consideration for environmental and community impact, favouring underground cabling where possible. These alternative methods would allow us to meet our energy goals without compromising the beauty and integrity of our rural landscapes.
The installation of underground cables for offshore wind farms, such as those used in the Hornsea Project One (HP1), offers considerable benefits over above-ground pylons, especially in terms of minimising landscape and visual impacts. One of the significant advantages of underground cabling is its reduced intrusion on natural and historically significant landscapes. This is particularly relevant in projects where the onshore cable routes pass through areas with rich archaeological contexts, as was the case with HP1. The excavation work required for laying these cables unearthed a wealth of archaeological artefacts spanning from prehistoric to Romano-British periods, highlighting the depth of history beneath the surface.
Moreover, underground cables are favoured due to their lower impact on the visual aesthetics of rural and coastal landscapes, which is crucial for maintaining the area's natural character and supporting local tourism. This method also reflects a sensitivity to community preferences and environmental conservation, acknowledging the importance of these factors to local stakeholders and residents.
The implementation of underground cables, despite being more complex and potentially costlier than pylons, represents a commitment to preserving the visual integrity and historical significance of landscapes while facilitating the transition to renewable energy. This approach not only safeguards the environment but also ensures that the infrastructure development is more acceptable to local communities and less disruptive to the ecosystem.
Alternative Solutions:
While the need for renewable energy is clear and acknowledged, the method of its implementation must consider the least damaging alternatives. Offshore wind and tidal energy present viable alternatives that do not impose the same level of impact on rural communities and landscapes. Additionally, if infrastructure for wind energy is deemed necessary, it must be implemented with the utmost consideration for environmental and community impact, favouring underground cabling where possible.
Conclusion:
The feedback from my constituents clearly indicates that the proposed developments by Bute Energy / Green-Gen do not meet the aspirations and needs of Mid Wales communities. This significant misalignment requires me to oppose the current proposals decisively and advocate for a re-evaluation of the approach to renewable energy infrastructure. The concerns raised highlight potentially severe visual, environmental, and social impacts from the envisaged pylons and wind turbines. Innovative mitigation strategies, such as underground cabling, are essential to preserve the region's scenic beauty while meeting its energy needs.
Therefore, I call for a comprehensive review of the proposed energy projects to explore alternative solutions that minimise environmental and social repercussions. This exploration must be thorough and aimed at achieving a sustainable balance between development and conservation.
I trust that the decision-making process will consider the depth of public concerns, ensuring that any development respects the natural environment and community well-being. Our objective should be to develop renewable energy resources without compromising the unique character and vitality of the Welsh countryside and its communities. I expect that all related correspondence will be carefully considered, making sure the voice of Mid Wales is respected in shaping our energy future."