Labour backed a vote that was taken in Carmarthenshire’s full council meeting to urge the UK Government to only grant permission for underground cables to the Brechfa Forest wind farms.
The Labour Group in Carmarthenshire backed calls for the UK Government Energy Secretary to reject overground pylons which would run through some of the most scenic and historical parts of the county.
Labour Group Leader, Kevin Madge, said:
‘We don’t want the lights to go out, but we shouldn’t blight our countryside with pylons. Pylons are becoming new slag heaps of industry”
Other members of the Labour Group raised the need for more local decision making and for the Welsh Government to have more devolved power in energy matters.
Labour Group Secretary Calum Higgins backed the motion and called for more action:
“Following the motion what action will we take? We can write to the UK Energy Secretary outlining our opposition to pylons. We should also contact the Silk Commission to use the Brechfa pylons as an example of the need for more power for the Welsh Assembly”
It was passed unanimously by Carmarthenshire County Council:
‘That Carmarthenshire County Council finds it totally unacceptable that the proposed Brechfa Forest wind farm(s) National Grid connection should be made via an overhead line supported by wooden pylons. As the Council itself has no statutory power in this matter, we ask the UK Energy Secretary to ensure that the connection cable is laid underground for its entire length”.
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