Worries that pylons could spoil views from Llanymynech Hill

A drop-in exhibition is being held in Llanymynech Village Hall this week as part of consultation by National Grid on the draft route of the high voltage power lines proposed to link windfarms planned for Mid Wales with the national electricity system.

There has been a steady stream of visitors to the exhibition, Greg Phillimore, from National Grid said.

Many people had wanted more information or wanted to put forward their own ideas for the development, he added.

"The main worries from this area have been the effect on the view from Llanymynech Hill," he said.

"People have come along to give their ideas on how and where the pylons should go to protect that view.

"We are keen to listen to everyone as part of our consultation.

"We are looking at the type of pylons that we use and are also looking at ecology, tourism, and other areas."

Mr Phillimore said the exact line and where pylons will go had not been yet been decided.

"This is our preferred route but it is still not yet narrowed down to the exact line or the points where the pylons would be placed," he said.

The Tirgwynt 12-turbine windfarm at Carno has already won permission.

Road closure orders paving the way for the transportation of windfarm components as abnormal loads have come into force to allow for the building of the small windfarm.

It is proposed to build larger, windfarms in Llanbadarn Fynydd, near Llandrindod Wells; Llaithddu, near Newtown; Llandinam, near Llanidloes; Llanbrynmair, near Machynlleth and Carnedd Wen, near Machynlleth.

Peter and Margaret Frank dropped into the exhibition.

"It looks like the line will run very close to our land at Maesbury," Mr Frank, 73 said.

"We simply wanted to come along and find out as much information as possible. "

Mrs Frank said she also wanted to find out more about the windfarms, some of which, if given the go ahead, would be close to her relatives' homes in mid Wales.