Shropshire and Mid Wales wind farms project moves a step closer

Farmers along the proposed route of the line are being asked to clarify what land they own so surveys can be completed before construction work starts. Letters from the Grid are landing on doorsteps.

The power giant wants the line to run from a new sub-station at Cefn Coch, near Llanfair Caereinion, to Lower Frankton, near Oswestry.

It would transfer power from Mid Wales wind farms to the national electricity network in Shropshire.

An announcement is expected this year outlining which parts of the power line will be buried and which will be on pylons.

A spokesman for the National Grid said: "Since we announced the route corridor and substation siting area to provide a connection for new wind farms in Mid Wales, we have been doing a number of things to help further develop the proposals.

"Bruton Knowles, the land agents acting on our behalf, have been making contact with people with a legal interest in land in the route corridor.

"They have been asking people to confirm details of their land ownership and rights and seeking their agreement to allow our ecologists and surveyors access to undertake a variety of surveys."

Michael Watney, from property agents Balfours, said there was as yet no legal obligation on farmers to sign any paperwork concerning their land ownership.

He said: "National Grid's agent, Bruton Knowles, needs to find out who owns what and what interests may exist. As a result, landowners have received letters and a long form asking who owns the land, who occupies it and a whole raft of other questions.

"The accompanying letter is written in a legalistic style which may inadvertently pressurise landowners into providing this information.

"It is optional whether you co-operate with them or not, as each landowners' conscience dictates.

"When National Grid serves formal notice requiring information, landowners are only obliged to provide that information. There is no requirement to certify that information."

By Andrew Morris