Residents unite to oppose plans for new pylons threatening their land
Carmarthen: It’s a beautiful autumn day, and folks are enjoying the peace at Red Kite Cottage. You can hear the clinking of coffee cups and the occasional bird chirping. But there’s a tension in the air, as many locals are worried about proposed pylons cutting through their countryside.
This area is a hidden gem in Carmarthenshire, with stunning views of the Towy Valley. The holiday let sits on a hillside, surrounded by trees and hills, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers. But the tranquility is threatened by plans for two massive pylon highways that could change everything.
Residents first learned about the pylons when a leaflet landed on their doorsteps. Some thought it was junk mail, but for others, it was a wake-up call. The Jones family, who run a local farm, were shocked to see a Facebook post showing the proposed route cutting right through their land.
Many farming families are worried that these pylons will ruin their way of life. They fear that fields will become unusable, tourists will stay away, and the local ecosystem will be devastated. Rhiannon Jones expressed her disbelief, saying it felt like a sudden blow.
As more people became aware of the situation, they banded together. WhatsApp groups and public meetings sprang up, with everyone feeling outraged. Dr. Pete Cumber noted that the community is united in their opposition.
The issue stems from the current electricity network not being able to handle new power generation. GreenGEN Cymru has proposed two major pylon lines to address this. One line would stretch 32 miles from a new energy park to a substation in Carmarthen, while the other would run 60 miles through various towns.
Both projects are set to go through planning approval, with construction potentially starting in 2027. But the locals are not backing down. They’ve put up placards along the roads, voicing their concerns about health, property values, and the impact on their businesses.
Craig Vaux, who is leading the campaign against the pylons, was surprised by the turnout at the first meeting he organized. He expected around 40 people, but over 90 showed up. Now, more than 500 people are opposing the plans.
Craig believes it all comes down to political will. He’s not against renewable energy, but he wants the pylons to be placed underground instead of towering over the valley. The community is fighting to stop surveys of their land, which they see as a step toward the pylons being built.
Residents were initially offered £500 to allow surveys, but many realized the implications of signing up. They would have to give access to their land for up to 104 days a year, which is a huge concern for farmers and holiday let owners who promise privacy to their guests.
Nicki Robinson, who runs a holiday cottage, worries that the beauty of the area is what attracts visitors. If they have to look at pylons instead of the stunning views, she fears they won’t return. She’s invested a lot into her business and can’t afford to lose it.
Richard Jones, another local farmer, is also worried about the health impacts on his livestock. He’s concerned that the pylons will devalue his property and affect his contracts with supermarkets. He’s worked hard to create a sustainable farm, and the pylons could ruin that.
As the community continues to fight, they’re not just opposing GreenGEN Cymru but also the government’s approach to energy projects. They want to see a shift towards underground cables, which they believe would be less disruptive.
In the meantime, the locals are determined to keep their voices heard. They’re standing together, ready to fight for their land and their way of life. It’s a classic David versus Goliath situation, but they’re not backing down.