Fury over Mid Wales windfarms appeal move

Two of the companies behind the bid to build four windfarms and an overhead power line in Mid Wales want a judicial review to be held to decide whether or not the project will go ahead.

RES UK wanted to build a windfarm in Llanbrymair, while RWE Innogy had plans for Carnedd Wen. Glyn Davies, Montgomeryshire MP, said the Government had confirmed to him that the two companies want to appeal.

The saga of the windfarms in Mid Wales is like one of those movies where the monster everybody thought was dead suddenly comes to life again in the final frame.

Celebrations at the decision earlier this year to turn down plans for four windfarms, and an overhead power line, have turned out to be premature.

New life has been breathed into the monster. Two of the companies involved have appealed and have called for a judicial review of the decision.

They have a right to do so, of course. But there is the wider picture, of whether they want to work with the local community, or whether they want to impose themselves upon them.

The schemes attracted widespread opposition. Locals did not want them and said so. So far as can be judged in such things, the knocking of these schemes on the head was a triumph for democracy and people power.

If they now successfully overturn those factors and get the green light thanks to legalistic and bureaucratic manoeuvring employing an arsenal of technicalities and loopholes, then the people of Mid Wales will have been led up the garden path and ultimately denied an important right in a democracy – that what the people think matters.

The Department of Energy and Climate Change refused permission for the windfarms and power line earlier this year. Had the plans been given the go ahead by energy minister Andrea Leasdom, it would have resulted in a power line linking the windfarms to the national supply in Shropshire.

Mr Davies said: "I have had it confirmed to me that RWE Innogy and RES UK want a judicial review on the Government's decision.

"It is absolutely appalling and they have shown no regard for their customers, the people of Mid Wales or the whole idea of democracy. These are the only two appeals received and it is not to say that their appeal will be agreed and heard, but that is what they want.

"I don't think they are very sensible to ask for a review. The public's regard for both companies will be damaged and they are taking on the Government. It will cause huge reputational damage to them and I hope they get thrown out again."

Mike Whitbread, RES development manager, said: "No words can express our reaction to how RES fared following the lengthy ordeal that was the Mid Wales Public Inquiry.

"For the best part of the last decade we have done everything possible to ensure that Llanbrynmair Windfarm is well designed, all the while making a valuable contribution towards the UK's renewable energy ambitions.

"We believe we have addressed any perceived impacts thoroughly – a view supported by the independent planning inspector."