MP calls for an end to windfarms inquiry

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies said a technicality involving the United Nations meant the hearing could end up being worthless.

The UN has raised the issue that there has not been any public consultation on the UK's national renewable energy policy.

Mr Davies has written to the Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, Ed Davey, asking him to stop the inquiry.

The UN Economic Commission for Europe, a body that rules on international conventions, found the UK Government had acted illegally by not allowing public participation in the formulation of the National Renewable Energy Action Plan.

Mr Davies says it calls into question the legal validity of any further planning consent for all future windfarm developments.

He said: "The UN judgment says that the public has been denied the chance to consider and contribute to national renewable energy policy and that is wrong.

"The public are legally entitled to contribute to policy development and to have access to this important information. Proper processes have not been followed.

"I have written to Mr Davey saying that the UN judgment means that any consent for further windfarm developments in the UK is liable to legal challenge and it would be madness to continue the inquiry."

"The Secretary of State must face up to this challenge to his energy policy, and his responsibilities. The people of Mid Wales deserve no less."

The inquiry, which is being held on various dates, is due to restart next month.

It is proposed to build windfarms in Llanbadarn Fynydd, near Llandrindod Wells; Llaithddu, near Newtown; Llandinam, near Llanidloes; Llanbrynmair, near Machynlleth; Carnedd Wen, near Machynlleth; with electric line connection from a Llandinam wind farm to the Welshpool substation.

The plans are being fought by The Alliance group, made up of 21 organisations together with Powys County Council. More than 300 protesters marched to the Royal Oak Hotel in Welshpool for the opening of the nine-month inquiry.