Consultation over Wales to Shropshire power line plans

A network of pylons will connect a new windfarm to the National Grid in north Shropshire

Views are being sought over a new power line planned from Wales to Shropshire.

It will connect a new windfarm near Powys to the National Grid via Lower Frankton.

Bute Energy said Mid Wales did not have the capacity to connect new renewables to homes and businesses so infrastructure is needed.

The first in a number of public consultation events was being held on Thursday at Hordley & Bagley Village Hall in Lower Hordley near Ellesmere.

The windfarm - Llyn Lort Energy Park, near Llanerfyl - is currently being consulted on by Bute Energy and could generate up to 165MW energy, enough to power 144,000 homes per year.

Developing the new network, called Green GEN Vyrnwy Frankton, it said, will reduce pressure on the existing electricity grid.

The proposal is for a new 132kV overhead line, supported on 27-metre tall steel lattice pylons.

These are shorter and "less bulky" than traditional pylons which reduce visual effects, Bute Energy said.

Members of the public can provide feedback on the route identified for the overhead line through Powys and Shropshire, and the proposed location for a substation near the Llyn Lort Energy Park.

Gareth Williams, grid director at Bute Energy, said: "We know that people have differing views on new infrastructure, and we are committed to doing everything we can to cause the least disturbance to the environment and those who live, work and enjoy recreation close to our proposals."

Further consultation events will be held over the coming days.