Victory in fight over Mid Wales wind farms
Plans for four wind farms and an overhead power line which would have "destroyed" the Mid Wales countryside have been thrown out by the government.
Campaigners were today celebrating after energy minister Andrea Leasdom refused planning permission for wind farms in Llanbadarn Fynydd, Llaithddu, Llanbrynmair and Carnedd Wen.
She also refused permission for an overhead power line between Llandinam and Welshpool, but gave the go ahead for for the repowering of a wind farm in Llandinam.
The announcement follows a four-and-a-half year fight against the plans by residents of Mid Wales and Shropshire.
A Department of Energy and Climate Change spokesman said: "Careful consideration has been given to each application, and the planning and energy issues involved."
Jonathan Wilkinson, leader of Montgomeryshire Against Pylons, which has been fighting the plans, said: "I am left speechless by the decision. After four years of campaigning we can now say victory is ours.
"I would not rule out an appeal from the applicants, but today we can celebrate a historic decision. I am absolutely thrilled.
"Thousands of people have supported our fight and I want to thank them all."
Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies added: "This decision to refuse all but one wind farm planning application appealed by developers is really good news for Montgomeryshire.
"Our wondrous landscapes have been saved from wanton desecration. We have protected the legacy which we have enjoyed, for our children to love in the way we do."
However David Clubb, of Renewable UK Cymru, said: "It seems that with this decision investment into Mid Wales will be lost for good and the people of Wales will be the poorer for it."
