Welsh farmers launch landmark claim against ‘intimidating’ pylon firm

Jonty Colchester, the CPRW chair, said: “This hearing is a major moment for rural Wales. It has taken months of determined work by Justice for Wales and CPRW to bring these concerns before the court.

“This is ultimately about accountability, whether powers affecting people’s land, livelihoods and communities are being exercised lawfully and transparently. Reaching this point has not been easy, but there is real determination in seeing these issues finally tested in court.

“We are proud to stand together behind this challenge and to make clear that communities in Wales must not be sidelined when decisions of this scale are being made.”

Green Gen Cymru declined to comment on the case, citing the proceedings, but a spokesperson said: “We remain committed to working respectfully with landowners and engaging openly with local communities. Our approach is to seek agreement wherever possible and to carry out all activities with due consideration for people and the environment.

“The development of this infrastructure remains an important part of delivering a secure, resilient energy network for Wales and forms part of critical infrastructure aligned with government policy.”

The farmers are also worried they could lose their land and homes to the 125-mile (200km) pylon scheme. Part of the legal case challenges whether section 172 notices, which allow access to land prior to any compulsory purchase order, are lawful. CPOs allow public authorities and utility companies to acquire land for infrastructure projects deemed to be in the public interest without the owner’s consent.

Using Welsh land and resources to supply England has a fractious and emotive history in Wales, epitomised by the village of Tryweryn, in Gwynedd, which was flooded in 1965 to supply drinking water to Liverpool.

Approximately 90% of Welsh land is used for farming and agriculture, and rural communities play a vital role in the survival of Welsh culture and language: 45% of agricultural workers speak Cymraeg as their first language, more than any other industry, according to Welsh government figures.