Consultation on controversial Caithness to Beauly powerline plan extended by SSEN
The deadline for responding to power line proposals that will encompass a rural beauty spot west of Inverness has been extended.
We previously reported how horrified residents were ready to fight plans to build a giant electricity substation and march pylons through a rural beauty spot.
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is running public consultations on proposals for a 400 kilovolt (kV) overhead power line connecting Spittal in Caithness to Beauly, via Loch Buidhe in Sutherland.
Fanellan, on Lovat Estate lands, is the preferred site for one of three massive new 400kV substations, branded a “monstrosity” by locals.
Another high voltage line is planned from Peterhead to Beauly, linking with the existing Beauly to Denny super pylon line approved in 2010.
If given the green light, residents in and around Kiltarlity, Cabrich, Breakachy and Aigas would be directly impacted by the convergence of the three power lines carried on 57m (180ft) high pylons.
Objectors say the project – part of SSEN’s £7 billion ‘pathway to 2030’ upgrade of UK energy infrastructure in the north of Scotland – would blight views, generate noise and light pollution, and destroy natural habitats.
Pre-planning consultation had been set to continue until March 31 but has now been extended to April 14.
On the project website SSEN says this is due to the "extent of interest in the project and in direct response to requests from the community", adding "we...would encourage anyone with an interest in the project to provide their feedback..."
More details of the proposals are available here
