Fanellan substation plan in Highlands opposed unanimously by Kiltarlity community
Alarmed residents in a community near Beauly turned out in force to demonstrate their opposition to controversial plans for a major substation.
SSEN Transmission has submitted a planning application for a 400kV substation and converter station project at Fanellan.
But Kiltarlity residents attending a public meeting - at which there was standing room only - voted unanimously for their community council to oppose the plans which they say would amount to industrialisation in a rural area.
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SSEN Transmission says the proposed project is a ‘key strategic development’ which will play a major role in supporting national energy security and clean power targets.
But residents in Beauly, Kiltarlity and Kilmorack have voiced fears about the potential impact.
Donna Peacock, of Kiltarlity Community Council, said that claims that the project would positively impact jobs and housing and have little or no significant impact on wildlife were disputed.
There was also derision at the suggestion there could be minor impact on traffic volumes.
“Concerns raised at the meeting included the vulnerability of other road users (single track sections are the only access to their proposed site once they exit the village), walkers, horse riders, cyclists, access for emergency vehicles,” she said.
There were particular concerns about the suggested closure of Black Bridge to replace it as in times of road closures due to accidents, flooding and storm damage, it was the main access point for the village and preferred access to those nearest the proposed project.
“A community attendee questioned the ‘impenetrable jargon’ making the vast planning document a ‘mire of planning procedure’, such a document which has taken SSEN years to formulate is expected to be analysed by a community in a matter of weeks,” Ms Peacock said.
She said those present were united with community council representatives.
“After all we are all impacted, we share the roads/landscapes and the overwhelming sense of community and are alarmed at the industrialisation proposed,” she said.
The campaign group, Communities B4 Power Companies, says it will have a huge impact on the area and has produced its own digital book of testimonials in which local residents talk about their fears.
An SSEN Transmission spokesperson said: “The proposed Fanellan 400kV AC substation and HVDC converter station is a key component of our proposals to upgrade the transmission network in support of the delivery of 2030 offshore wind generation targets set by the UK and Scottish Governments.
“The National Energy System Operator (NESO) carried out extensive studies which identified the need for this project, and in developing our proposals we have sought to achieve the best balance from an environmental, technical, and economic perspective - while consulting extensively with the local community.
“Investing to upgrade our electricity transmission network is crucial if we are to achieve the country’s energy security and clean power objectives, and it’s also a major driver of jobs and economic activity locally and across the north of Scotland.
“We would like to thank all those who provided feedback as part of our pre-application consultation events, which have been key in helping shape our proposals.
“We now look forward to continuing to work with Highland Council, the local community and other stakeholders throughout the planning application process.”
