Pylons planning decision unlikely before 2015, says MP Philip Dunne

A decision on plans which could see hundreds of pylons being built across Shropshire and Mid Wales will not be made until at least 2015, it has been claimed.

Shropshire and Montgomeryshire's MPs held private talks with Charles Hendry, Minister of State at the Department for Energy and Climate Change, responsible for Energy Policy, on Tuesday.

Shropshire's Owen Paterson, Daniel Kawczynski and Philip Dunne and Montgomeryshire's Glyn Davies joined forces to quiz Mr Hendry about National Grid's plans.

Mr Dunne said the minister had made it clear that no decision was likely until 2015.

The National Grid wants to tap into the windfarms being built in Mid Wales which could see a 400,000 volt line of pylons built across the countryside.

The line would link into one of the National Grid's main electricity lines running through Shropshire.

Mr Dunne said: "I am pleased that the minister was willing to meet Shropshire MPs to listen to our concerns about National Grid's plans for high voltage pylons across Shropshire.

"He was able to provide some reassurance that this proposal is by no means cut and dried. He is committed to listening to the concerns of my constituents before a decision is made.

"We learned that the environmental impact on Shropshire will form part of the decision-making process. We also learned that a new study on the costs of undergrounding is under way."

Mr Davies said: "I was greatly reassured that decisions relating to the 20-acre substation will be taken in Wales by Powys County Council and the Welsh Government (if appealed).

"I am totally committed to killing off National Grid's Mid Wales Connection Project and will continue to support the massive local 'People's Protest'."

By Anwen Evans