Eryri National Park Authority in Wales has agreed to withdraw planning approval for a proposed hydropower scheme near Llan Ffestiniog following a legal challenge by Cymdeithas Eryri (Snowdonia Society).
International Water Power Magazine writes:
The authority accepted one ground of the group’s judicial review claim concerning planning policy for development affecting a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The application will now be reconsidered.
The… scheme would involve constructing an intake weir on the Afon Cynfal and an underground pipeline to divert water for electricity generation…
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Graeme Cotterill, director of Cymdeithas Eryri, said: ‘We are delighted that part of our legal challenge to the decision was accepted as valid without having to hold a full court hearing, and grateful to all involved for this early resolution. However, we recognise that this could be only the first step in an ongoing battle for the future of Cwm Cynfal’s waterfall and wildlife and Eryri’s special qualities as a National Park…
Leigh Day solicitor Lily Hartley-Matthews, who represents Cymdeithas Eryri, said: ‘Their first ground of challenge argued that the park authority had misinterpreted Welsh planning policy on development affecting an SSSI and failed to advise the Planning Committee that the scheme did not comply with this – an argument which has now been accepted by the park authority.’
