SSEN Transmission has published its final report on consultations for two new overhead lines forming part of its £20 billion pathway to 2030 project.
A 400kV overhead line running from Spittal via Loch Buddha and on to Beauly, with three new substations being built along the route.
Three rounds of overhead line route and potential subsea location consultations were held prior to the report being published, along with 37 in-person events and one virtual event.
Throughout the consultation process, key sections of the overhead line route have been reviewed and changed to reflect community and stakeholder feedback.
Examples of changes made through the consultation process include in the section between Spittal and Brora, as the proposed new overhead line passes Dunbeath, the more inland of the two potential routes consulted on is being taken forward to reduce impacts on Dunbeath and surrounding settlements
Further to this, as the overhead line passes Helmsdale, SSEN Transmission is taking forward an inland option to reduce impacts on communities. In the area around Bonar Bridge west of Dornoch, the organisation is progressing the overhead line route presented in its previous consultation.
In recognition of concerns about the potential impact of this route on the village of Culrain and Carbisdale Castle, it has sought to minimise impacts through micrositing of towers.
Rebecca Gay, senior development project manager at SSEN Transmission, said, “We have engaged extensively with local communities and stakeholders throughout the development of this project, and we would like to thank all those who have taken the time to provide the constructive feedback that has helped to shape our proposals. Our final report on consultation reflects the important role this engagement has played, resulting in changes to key sections of the overhead line route and various other plans to mitigate local concerns.”
A 400kV overhead line is also proposed from Beauly via Blackhillock and New Deer and on to Peterhead, with four new substations along the route and new HVDC converter stations at either end.
Consultation events has led to the decision to move the proposed new substation at Blackhillock from its initial location east of Keith, to the current proposed site south-east of the existing Blackhillock substation.
SSEN Transmission has held four rounds of public consultation events in relation to the proposed overhead line since September 2022.
Changes to the route include adjustments to tower positions at several points to increase distances from residential properties, scheduled monuments and to minimise disruption to existing land use and future development potential. Further to this is adjustments to avoid impact on telecommunication links; realignment to the western approach to the River Spey crossing to increase to avoid any potential disturbance to the public water supply; and change to the preferred alignment on the north-west approach to the new substation at Coachford, reducing cumulative impact to the area to west of Balloch Wood.
Community feedback has also led to efforts to address cumulative infrastructure impacts through the removal and undergrounding of existing transmission lines, where technically practical and appropriate, and subject to all necessary planning consents and landowner agreements. Detailed studies are currently taking place to determine where this could be done.
Catherine Swan, senior development project manager at SSEN Transmission, added, “We have engaged extensively with local communities and stakeholders throughout the development of this project, and we would like to thank all those who have taken the time to provide the constructive feedback that has helped to shape our proposals. Our final report on consultation reflects the important role this engagement has played, resulting in changes to the location of our proposed new substation at Blackhillock and changes to sections of the overhead line route.”
