Locals launch legal action against green energy firm

HUNDREDS of Welsh farmers and landowners, many of whom feel their "homes are being invaded', have launched High Court legal action against a green energy company planning to build infrastructure across Wales.

- NINA MASSEY

More than 300 people have accused Green GEN Cymru of an "unlawful" abuse of power to "force" access to private land.

According to court documents, agents acting on behalf of the company are accused of behaving in a "coercive" and careless manner, "without regard for environmental protections or community wellbeing."

The farmers and landowners claim the agents try to force their way on to land to conduct surveys for pylon highways spanning more than 200km in rural Wales.

The proposed scheme will see three pylon routes run through the counties of Powys, Ceredigion and Carmarthenshire, leading to the Cambrian Mountains.

The legal claim, filed by the law firm New South Law, argues the energy firm is acting beyond its powers as an acquiring authority - a body given legal power to compulsorily acquire land for public projects.