CPRW, The Welsh Countryside Charity, hosted a packed hustings event recently, with over 200 attendees gathering to hear political candidates debate the future of onshore wind, pylons and large-scale energy infrastructure across Carmarthenshire and Mid Wales.

Chaired by CPRW’s National Chairman, Jonty Colchester, the event brought together representatives from Gwlad, the Heritage Party, the Labour Party, Plaid Cymru, Reform UK and the Welsh Conservatives. Each candidate addressed the audience before taking questions from the floor, offering a rare opportunity for open, public discussion on the scale of industrial energy development proposed for rural Wales.

The evening began with CPRW setting out the growing concerns about speculative energy developers and the unprecedented scale of proposed wind farms and pylon lines across the Welsh countryside. Speakers and attendees shared views on the environmental, landscape, economic and community implications of the developments, with strongly-held but respectfully exchanged opinions across the political spectrum.

CPRW said the event demonstrated the public’s appetite for honest, informed debate. Jonty Colchester, CPRW Chairman, explained: “This was a much-needed conversation, held openly, respectfully and with real community engagement. We are grateful to all political parties who attended and to the more than 200 people who turned out on a wet evening to have their voices heard.”

Questions from the audience focused on turbine heights, cumulative landscape impact, grid infrastructure, community benefit, and the future of Welsh energy policy. Candidates outlined differing positions, but all acknowledged the significance of the decisions ahead for rural communities.

CPRW emphasised that the scale of proposals facing rural Wales demands transparency, scrutiny and meaningful local involvement.

Jonty Colchester, CPRW Chairman added: “Whatever the political differences, what stood out tonight was the shared belief that local people must be part of this conversation. CPRW will continue to give communities a platform and ensure their concerns are not ignored.”