Approval has been granted to begin developing a new electric line to connect four wind farms in North Wales.

Business Secretary Greg Clark granted the Development Consent Order on 28 July, which will see a 132kv electric line built to connect the Clocaenog, Brenig, Nant Bach and Derwedd Bach projects.

The North Wales Wind Farms Connection project is being developed by Scottish Power Manweb and involves the construction, instillation, operation and maintenance of the 17.4km long line.


Chief Executive of the Planning Inspectorate, Sarah Richards, said: "The decision announced today supports the recommendation made by the Planning Inspectorate. It is the 56th application for a nationally significant infrastructure project and the 35th energy project to be examined and decided.

"The Planning Inspectorate has the responsibility to examine Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs) within timescales laid down in the Planning Act 2008. This provides developers and investors with the confidence to build and improve the infrastructure this country needs to secure future economic growth."

(LM/MH)