Key facts
- Length of diversion
- 1.7km
- Distance from Kiltarlity
- 2.4km
- Distance from Beauly
- 4.5km
- Maximum tower height
- 59.4m
- Construction period
- nine months (if seven days a week)
- Final decision maker
- Scottish Government
Background
SSEN Transmission has submitted plans to temporarily and then permanently divert 1.7km of the existing Beauly to Denny overhead line in Beauly. The diversion is intended to accommodate the proposed Fanellan substation, which has not yet been approved.
The Fanellan substation is currently undergoing a public enquiry following a previous council objection in February. The diversion is described as an 'essential' part of the proposed substation, yet it has not been included in the diversion's cumulative impact assessment.
Current situation
Highland Council planning experts have recommended that the south planning committee object to the diversion. They argue that the full cumulative impact of the application could not be assessed because the Fanellan substation was omitted from the assessment.
The south planning committee is due to meet on Thursday. The diverted overhead line would be located at Fanellan, 2.4km from Kiltarlity and 4.5km from Beauly. The council report notes that a 'significant local population' lives in small settlements within the area.
The diversion would replace the current 400kV/275kV line with a 400kV line and loop around the proposed substation. It would involve the removal of two existing towers and the installation of six new towers, with a maximum tower height of 59.4m. A temporary diversion would keep the network 'fully operational' during construction, which is estimated to last nine months if work takes place seven days a week.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Length of diversion | 1.7km |
| Distance from Kiltarlity | 2.4km |
| Distance from Beauly | 4.5km |
| Maximum tower height | 59.4m |
| Construction period | nine months (if seven days a week) |
Impacts
Kiltarlity Community Council has objected to the plans, arguing that a single environmental impact assessment should have been created for the whole project, including the substation. It says the project would have 'significant' impacts on landscape, natural heritage, and local communities during construction.
No public objections were received by Highland Council or the Energy Consensus Unit (ECU). However, the development is classed as a national one, so the final decision rests with the Scottish Government, regardless of any council objection.
Future outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the south planning committee objects this week, the objection will be forwarded to the Scottish Government, which will make the final decision on the diversion. The outcome of the Fanellan substation public enquiry may also influence the process.
Should the Scottish Government approve the diversion, construction could begin after the substation is approved, with a nine-month construction period if work proceeds seven days a week. If the substation is not approved, the necessity of the diversion may be reconsidered.
The council's concern about cumulative impact could lead to further assessments or modifications to the plans, potentially delaying the project. The final timeline remains unclear.
Source: inverness-courier.co.uk
