On 19 May 2023, a pre-application consultation will be launched by our main contractor Hochtief UK (Hochtief) for temporary workers’ accommodation at Blaen Cefn, Penrhyndeudraeth.

Last year we started early works on the project which, once complete, will see ten pylons and around 3km of overhead line permanently removed from across the Dwyryd Estuary. 

We have increased our activity at Garth and Llandecwyn sites since the beginning of 2023 and are looking ahead to the start of construction of the shafts which will lead to the new tunnel that will house our underground cables.

The arrival of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) in early 2024 will be an exciting milestone for our project. The operation of the TBM requires bespoke skills and therefore Hochtief will temporarily employ specialist, skilled staff from outside the local area to deliver this crucial part of the scheme.

This is in addition to the local people we employ and the skills and services we engage as part of our local supply chain, as detailed in our Local Workforce Strategy.

At peak operations, between 2024 and 2026, there will be around 150-180 people working on the Eryri VIP project in various roles. During the last six months, Hochtief has been working on identifying suitable locations for accommodation for people who bring their skills from outside the area. They have undertaken an exhaustive search and considered a considerable number of options in the Penrhyndeudraeth, Porthmadog and even Blaenau areas, many of which have been ruled out for a variety of different reasons. 

After a comprehensive search, Hochtief has identified land which lies between Blaen Cefn Caravan Park to the north and the A487 to the south, on the north-eastern outskirts of Penrhyndeudraeth, as the best and most suitable location for these temporary buildings.

A full planning application for the proposed temporary development will be submitted to Eryri National Park Authority and, in advance of submission, Hochtief, supported by planning consultants Cadnant Planning, is conducting a 28-day pre-application consultation period, starting on 19 May 2023.

Full details about the proposals, all associated reports and information about how to respond are available on Cadnant Planning’s dedicated consultation web page: www.cadnantplanning.co.uk/blaen-cefn

As part of the consultation, a public drop-in event which will be held at Minffordd Workshop, Minffordd, Penrhyndeudraeth, LL48 6HF on 25 May 2023 between 4.00pm and 7.00pm. Representatives from Hochtief UK will be in attendance to discuss the proposals and answer any questions you may have. 

We would strongly encourage you to attend and share your views, so that they may be considered as the final plans are refined ahead of submission. Members of the Eryri VIP team will also be present to talk about aspects of the project more generally.

Contact details for any planning related queries will be included on the consultation website. 

If you have any questions about the Eryri VIP scheme in general, please contact our community relations team by emailing us at [email protected] or calling 0800 019 1898.