Pylon route power line goes to final consultation

The company issued an image of the type of pylons, known as L7 towers, that would be used

Consultation on a planned power line that would see a 31-mile pylon route built from Wales to Shropshire has begun.

The Vyrnwy Frankton Project, a scheme to build a new substation near Cefn Coch in Powys and connect it to the national network at Lower Frankton in Shropshire, includes underground cables and an overhead line.

Six consultation events have been set up in village halls and community centres from 27 February to 8 March by Green Gen Cymru.

People will be able to view a digital 3D model of the route, the company said.

This is expected to be the final route-wide consultation before a planning application is submitted.

North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan has called on the company to consider building the route underground and said communities would be affected visually and by noise.

Still 'open to influence'

Senior project manager Sean Taylor said the company had considered areas important for tourism and recreation, adding: "The route is planned to keep effects on these as low as we can, while balancing the effects on the landscape and the environment."

Addressing effects on communities, he said: "We have carefully considered views to and from villages in designing the connection. As much as possible, we've used woodland and the natural shape of the landscape to help reduce potential visual effects."

Mr Taylor said the project was "still open to influence" and the firm was committed to working closely with communities and stakeholders.

In Shropshire, consultation events are being held at West Felton Village Hall on 27 February, Hordley & Bagley Village Hall on 28 February and Llanymynech Village Hall on 1 March.

Events will be held in Wales at Llanfair Caereinion Public Hall on 6 March, Llansantffraid Community Centre on 7 March and Meifod Village Hall Community Centre on 8 March.

The consultation will close on 16 April.