Energy company says it has 'solid grounds' for appeal against Mid Wales windfarm refusal

RWE Innogy said it was "surprised" with energy minister Andrea Leasdom's decision to refuse its plans for a wind farm at Carnedd Wen, near Lanbrynmair.

Mrs Leasdom threw the plans out last month along with three others and an an overhead powerline between Llandinam and Welshpool.

RES UK, which wanted to build a wind farm in Llanbrynmair, confirmed it had lodged an appeal against the decision last week.

Now RWE has confirmed it is also seeking a judicial review into the deicision.

Ffion Davies, company spokeswoman, said: "RWE Innogy can confirm that it has requested a judicial review into the recent rejection of Carnedd Wen wind farm.

"We remain surprised that the project was rejected by the UK Government, despite receiving a clear recommendation for approval by the planning inspector and we believe we have solid grounds supporting our request for a review of this decision.

"We remain convinced that this is one of the best remaining locations for a wind farm in Wales, and that onshore wind still has a role to play in the UK's low-carbon energy mix."

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies said he is "appalled" that both companies have lodged the appeals.

He said: "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."

"They clearly do not believe in democracy and this is shown by their want to bulldoze through Mid Wales and the decision taken against them."

Had the four wind farms and power line been given the go-ahead, it would have paved the way for the National Grid's Mid Wales Connection Project which would have seen a substation built at Cefn Coch, near Llanfair Caereinion and a 30-mile power line across the border into Shropshire.

Speaking last week, 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 – and are determined to prove how these will be far outweighed by the benefits Llanbrynmair Windfarm will bring."