Bethan Jenkins AC/AM South Wales West

Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for South Wales West, Bethan Jenkins, has today (13/5/08) asked the Counsel General, Carwyn Jones to consider tabling a debate at the National Assembly for Wales during Government time on the need to devolve planning for applications above 50 mega watts to the National Assembly for Wales. This has been called for as a matter of urgency in relation to the imminent development of the prenergy Biomass Power Station in Port Talbot.

Plaid AM Ms Jenkins said at the National Assembly today:

“It is important that we take in to consideration that, in parallel to the pending court case on the Port Talbot power station, the National Assembly for Wales has the power over the implementation of developments above 50MW in Wales – this would obviously include developments such as the power station in Port Talbot. This is to ensure that the people of Wales can input in to any future decisions, and are fully consulted on a Wales level with regards to any new planning application.

“We should not rely on the Labour Government at Westminster to steam roller through decisions of this kind, while ignoring the views of those who will have to live and work near such developments. The people of Port Talbot deserve better, and I hope that I can work with the residents of the area in supporting their campaign.”

Ms Jenkins added:

“Ministers within the One Wales Government have previously indicated that they support the call for applications above 50MW be devolved to the National Assembly for Wales, and I will raise this issue again with the Environment and Sustainability Minister, Jane Davidson.”

ENDS

For Further information please contact Steffan Lewis on 07961 732 405