Plans to build wind farms in Shropshire and Mid Wales ‘dead in the water’
Shropshire Star | June 8, 2015 | www.shropshirestar.com
Shropshire Star | June 8, 2015 | www.shropshirestar.com
Plans to build wind farms and pylons across Shropshire and Mid Wales are “dead in the water” after Prime Minister David Cameron ruled out future subsidies.
Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies said today he was confident the five wind farms subject to a public inquiry and more that are in the pipeline would not be able to go ahead following the announcement.
Mr Cameron said the Government would no longer support developments with public money.
Mr Davies said he now believed there was “no way” the planned wind farms not already given approval could be given the go ahead in Mid Wales.
And he said because of that, there would be no need for the National Grid’s controversial Mid Wales Connection Project, which would see the energy generated by the wind farms connected to the national supply.
Mr Davies was given the assurances by Mr Cameron in Prime Minister’s Questions last week.
And now Mr Davies says he believes victory for campaigners was within touching distance.
It is believed the results of a public inquiry into the five wind farms which ended last summer, would be revealed this week.
Mr Davies said: “It is very positive what the Prime Minister had to say and it is something he has been clear about.
“He said before the election that subsidies for onshore wind farms which have not been given the go ahead will not receive subsidies.
“Without that money, surely those in the pipeline have no future. Without those wind farms, there will be no need for the connection project.
“It is dead in the water now and I am now just awaiting further announcements.
“I am trying not to get excited, but it is a very positive move.”
When questioned by Mr Davies, Mr Cameron said: “In our manifesto we were very, very clear that there will be no more subsidies for onshore wind farms.
“It is time to give local people the decisive say. That is what will happen in England, in Wales – obviously the subsidy regime will be changed because it is a reserved issue, so I think that his desire has now been met.”
Jonathan Wilkinson, leader of Montgomeryshire Against Pylons, said he believed an announcement on the public inquiry was due this week.
He said: “You cannot ask for it any clearer than from the mouth of the Prime Minister and I believe an announcement on the public inquiry is imminent.
“We have been waiting for this news for years and we feel like we are almost ready to celebrate.
“It will be interesting to hear the announcement, but even if the wind farm applications are given the go ahead, without the subsidies they can’t possibly go ahead.”
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2015/06/08/plans-to-build-wind-farms-in-shropshire-and-mid-wales-dead-in-the-water/