Helen criticises ‘lack of consultation’ over changes to pylon plans

A consultation period over changes to an electricity pylons plan has been extended – as Helen Morgan expressed “deep concerns” that residents and landowners had been left out.

Helen has written to Green GEN Cymru after residents reported they had not been contacted about revised proposals for the company’s Vyrnwy – Frankton infrastructure project.

The letter follows the MP’s attendance at a consultation event in Welsh Frankton, where alterations to pylon locations and a newly identified site for a switching station near Lower Frankton were unveiled.

She said residents living in both Lower Frankton and Welsh Frankton - those who would be most affected by the works - were not told of changes or about an extension to a consultation period, and instead learned of the updated proposals through word of mouth.

In the letter, Helen states: “I must express my concern at the reports from attendees that there has been inadequate consultation following the recent changes to your plans. Engaging with local communities is essential given the scale of this proposed infrastructure.

“I am deeply concerned that local residents, landowners and business owners have not been given the chance to fully engage with your consultation and instead have only learned of the revised plans via word of mouth. This undermines events like the one which I attended.”

Green GEN Cymru had previously published details of where a 132kv line would be installed, including the specific location of every pylon.

The project would involve approximately 50 km of new lattice pylon infrastructure, connecting a new wind farm in Mid Wales to the National Grid at a new substation in Lower Frankton.

Helen added: “Lower Frankton is not an appropriate location for a major switching station, and if the project proceeds, the line should be placed underground wherever possible. It is unacceptable that those most impacted have not been properly informed or given a fair opportunity to respond to the consultation.”

Helen said she was pleased that the current consultation period had been extended by three weeks, but urged the company to act “to ensure that everybody affected by the updated plans has the opportunity to both understand their significance, and have their say”.

Local residents and business owners have raised a number of concerns over the visual impact of the infrastructure and the impact of the associated heavy traffic on narrow local roads.

The new consultation deadline is 11.59pm on Friday 27 March 2026 and comments can be submitted online here: Consultation - Green GEN Cymru consultation. The Vyrnwy – Frankton scheme is expected to be formally submitted to the Planning Inspectorate in October 2026.