Powys wind farm decision 'disappointing'
The decision to throw out plans for four wind farms and an overhead power line have been branded as "hugely disappointing" by a top Welsh minister.
Carl Sargeant, the Welsh Assembly's environment minister, said he believes the decision by the UK government was 'short sighted'.
Energy minister Andrea Leasdom this week refused planning permission for wind farms in Llanbadarn Fynydd, Llaithddu, Llanbrynmair, and Carnedd Wen and an overhead power line to connect them to the national supply between Llandinam and Welshpool.
But Mr Sargeant said he believes Wales should lead the way in renewable energy.
He said: "We recognise there's great opportunity for renewable energy in Wales, but they (the UK government) are doing everything to stop that, in planning terms and also some of their subsidy schemes.
"In Wales, we are pro-wind power and renewable energy – in the UK government and under the the Conservatives they are pro-fracking, which we are certainly not."
Mr Sargeant said he is also worried about the impact it will have on businesses.
"Wales is open for business," he said.
"We want to make sure people want to invest in our communities, make sure we have energy security long-term."
But Montgomeryshire AM Russell George, said he was pleased Whitehall listened to local Powys County Council.
He added: "The Welsh Government is critical of the decision, and critical that it was a decision made in Westminster.
"It seems to forget that the UK Government's role in the appeal process, and they decided to support the views of Powys County Council.
"In June 2011, thousands of Montgomeryshire people descended on Cardiff Bay to protest against the Welsh Government's destructive plans.
"They may have not been willing to listen, but the announcement is good for democracy. People power can win."
