Welsh Govt won't 'call in' hydro scheme

DECISION ON CONTROVERSIAL PLAN LEFT TO NATIONAL PARK

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE

The plan for hydro power in Cwm Cynfal has been opposed locally as it would divert water from Rhaeadr y Cwm, pictured

THE Welsh Government has decided against calling in a controversial hydroelectric scheme planned for a scenic Gwynedd waterfall.

The decision leaves the future of the Cwm Cynfal project in the hands of Eryri National Park Authority.

If given the green light, three farming brothers aim to build a small dam on the Afon Cynfal near Llan Ffestiniog. Water would be diverted from Rhaeadr y Cwm waterfall to produce electricity. At times up to 70% of its water would be taken.

Eryri's planning department previously recommended the scheme be approved.

But in January the Welsh Government issued a "holding direction" preventing a planning decision until it had decided whether to call in the application.