Cables from wind turbines near Shropshire to go underground

A picturesque valley is to be spared the pylons that will cross other parts of Mid Wales and Shropshire. If the plans go ahead the controversial cables will go underground as they cross the Meifod valley near Oswestry, National Grid announced today.

Burying eight of the 33 miles of 400 kv line that will be needed if windfarm developers win permission to build a network of sites across north Powys will be welcomed by campaigners who have fought against the National Grid project.

The remaining 23 miles will stay overground – although the line could be carried on the new 'T-pylons' that the power company says are 50 feet shorter than traditional structures. It will cross the Shropshire border skirting Oswestry to tap into the north-south 400 kv line at Lower Frankton near Ellesmere.

National Grid today said the route had been carefully developed to reduce effects on the local area.

The exact route has not been plotted as consultation with local communities and landowners is ongoing.

But the company insisted overhead lines would be kept away from villages and hills and trees would be used to keep visual impact to a minimum.

Mid Wales Connection project manager Jeremy Lee said: "We recognise the rich cultural significance of the Meifod Valley, which includes long distance path, Glyndwr's Way, and understand the potential impact a 400 kV steel lattice overhead line could have on the valley. Putting this section underground means this area can be largely kept to how it looks today."

A preferred site for the substation at Cefn Coch, which would harness the power of the wind farms, has also been identified.

A public inquiry is still underway over whether the wind farms, including those planned for Llandinam and Llanbadarn Fynydd, can go ahead.

Protestors say that if permission is refused the sub station and power line will not be needed.