Following these consultations, and taking into account construction difficulties, the significance of environmental impacts and ease of restoration, the preferred pipeline route corridor emerged, running between Felindre and Tirley and passing through the very northern part of the Brecon Beacons National Park.
Consultations continued with a wide range of organisations, local government, landowners and other individuals to refine the route and undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). The EIA informed the Environmental Statement, which was included with our application for consent to build the pipeline, submitted to the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry in August 2006.
Consent to construct the pipeline was granted in February 2007. Construction was completed late in 2007, although reinstatement works will continue in certain areas in 2008.
Above Ground Installations (AGIs)
In addition to the new section of pipeline, AGIs are required at intervals on the route to accommodate valves and other essential plant and equipment for the operation of the pipeline. Planning permission was granted for AGIs at Treaddow and at Three Cocks, near Brecon, but not for an AGI at Corse, near Tirley. An AGI in the Corse area is required for the pipeline to operate at full capacity, and National Grid is examining the reasons for refusal of the planning application before deciding how to proceed.