ANGLESEY will be turned into a “giant pin cushion” if plans for monster turbines go ahead on the islands ay protesters.

Fresh from its former campaign, the ‘Anglesey Says No to Pylons’ group is re-energising efforts to fight proposals for large scale wind and solar generation scheme.

In its draft National Development Framework, a plan for how Wales will develop in the next 20 years, the Welsh Government has outlined 65 square miles of central Anglesey for the scheme.

“Just when we thought the Anglesey countryside was safe along comes another battle,” said Jon Weaver of the group.

“The people of Anglesey are only just getting over the shock of the suspension of the Wylfa Newydd project, but after the relief of not having another 100 pylons across the island, the Welsh Government has fired warning shots of a new battle.

“We all want renewable energy, but at what price? It’ll just turn the island into a giant pin cushion.”

Jon’s wife, Cheryl Weaver, said: “Just as we thought we had got rid of National Grid with plans for 100 metal towers, 50m high, along comes our Government planning turbines 250m high.”

“I’ve been told that there could be as many as 70 in the chosen area. I know we have to have renewable energy, but I cannot believe this is the best way of doing it”

Pam Lee, spokesperson for the Anglesey branch of the Campaign for the Protection of Rural Wales said: “the Government likes to give the impression that there will be sensitive planning guidelines. Once things like this get approved, planning applications just get rubber stamped. We have to stop it now or in 10 years Anglesey will look like a giant pin cushion!”

Dafydd Idriswyn of Anglesey Against Wind Turbines said “90% of Anglesey residents we surveyed said they don’t think wind turbines should be allowed within a mile of peoples homes. With this, there will be a turbine every mile over a quarter of the island.”

“The thing that really bothers me” added Cheryl, “is that many people are not aware this plan is nearly approved.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We are currently consulting on the draft National Development Framework and have listening events across Wales.

“We have a responsibility to respond to the climate emergency and plan for our national energy needs. The framework designates priority areas where large-scale wind and solar development will be acceptable in principle. Any schemes must still go through the normal planning application process.”

The National Development Framework consultation closes on November 1. See: https://gov.wales/draft-national-development-framework.