Highland Council lodges objection to proposed Beauly-Peterhead power line - Scottish Business News
Highland Councilhas formally lodged an objection against SSEN Transmission’s proposed 400kV overhead power line upgrade between Beauly and Peterhead, citing significant environmental and amenity concerns. The. . .
Highland Councilhas formally lodged an objection against SSEN Transmission’s proposed 400kV overhead power line upgrade between Beauly and Peterhead, citing significant environmental and amenity concerns. The decision, made unanimously by the council’s south planning committee, underscores growing local opposition to the vital energy infrastructure project. The extensive project involves the installation of approximately 186km (115 miles) of new double circuit overhead transmission line, with roughly 56km traversing the Highland Council area. A key point of contention is a proposed 97-metre (318ft) tall ‘special tower’ planned for a site near the historic Caledonian Canal, which local councillor Duncan Macpherson (Inverness South Highland Alliance) noted would be “almost as tall as Big Ben’s Elizabeth Tower. ” The Elizabeth Tower, a landmark in London, stands at approximately 96 metres. Council planning officers highlighted the potential for “significant adverse effects” on ten different landscape types, 22 residential areas, 14 recreational areas, and five transport corridors. Particular concern has been raised regarding the visual intrusion on culturally sensitive sites, including Culloden Battlefield and the Caledonian Canal. Officials have suggested mitigation measures such as reducing the size of some electricity towers and painting them to blend with the landscape. Six community councils are also reported to oppose SSEN Transmission’s plans, with over 2,200 objections lodged against the proposals overall. The Beauly-Peterhead line forms a crucial part of SSEN Transmission’s broader ‘Pathway to 2030’ programme, an investment initiative projected to see at least £22 billion spent by March 2031 on upgrading the UK’s electricity transmission system. This programme is designed to bolster energy security, facilitate the connection of clean power sources, particularly offshore wind, and reduce reliance on imported gas. SSEN Transmission asserts that the project has been developed in adherence to relevant policies and legislation, carefully balancing community and environmental considerations with technical and economic factors. A spokesperson for SSEN Transmission emphasised the national importance of the development, stating: “It represents a critical step towards securing homegrown, affordable clean power for families across the country. ” The company added that the project “helps reduce reliance on imported gas from overseas, remove grid bottlenecks, and strengthen energy security at a time when security and affordability matter most. ” SSEN Transmission also highlights the project’s potential economic benefits, including support for Scottish jobs and businesses, and a commitment to a £100 million community benefit fund. The Scottish Government, which consulted the local authority on the plans, will ultimately make the final decision on the project. Objections from councils like Highland and Moray, which has also formally opposed the scheme, typically trigger a public inquiry. Aberdeenshire councillors, however, chose not to oppose the proposals. The public inquiry process is now underway, allowing all relevant evidence to be considered by independent reporters.