A CONTROVERSIAL hydro scheme threatens to spoil one of the most stunning regions of Snowdonia and further endanger water voles, according to objectors.

A “small-scale, run-of-the-river hydroelectric scheme” is to be built in the area of Llyn Llagi, near Nant Gwynant, by The National Trust, causing outrage amongst local residents and a conservation group.

The installation is expected to produce 85 kilowatts, enough to power over 90 homes with ‘clean’ energy, according to the trust.

However John Harold, director of the Snowdonia Society, is not convinced.

“This scheme is a cause for concern,” he said. “The landscape which the 1.3km long pipeline will cut through is a stunning, unspoilt part of Snowdonia.

“Snowdonia’s wildest rivers are one of the great glories of our national park and they should be left to run free, not put in a plastic pipe to generate money. This scheme will only generate enough power to run a few domestic showers and kettles at best."

Trystan Edwards, National Trust general manager for Snowdonia and Llyn, responded to the criticisms and said: “We have applied our normal stringent criteria to this proposal and received the relevant planning permission and consents for it to proceed.

“Even before we put in for planning on any project, we carry out a process of due diligence involving specialists assessing carefully the habitats and the sensitive method needed to allow the renewable source to be harnessed in an environmentally responsible way."

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