Energy company exploring alternatives for Spittal-Beauly overhead line
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
AN ENERGY company has confirmed they are working on alternative options on plans to build a controversial overhead line in the Highlands.
Following a recent round of public consultations on plans to develop a new 400kV overhead line between Spittal, Loch Buidhe and Beauly, SSEN Transmission said they are actively exploring alternative line routes and substation locations as well as potential mitigation measures.
The announcement of the plans in March prompted the rise of a campaign movement and protest groups such as Beauly-based Communities B4 Power Companies.
A series of local engagement events is planned in the coming weeks with Community Councils and local groups, including a pulic meeting at Strathpeffer Pavilion on Thursday, May 18 at 7pm.
A number of public consultation was held in the areas set to be affected by the line route to engage communities affected by the development.
Martin Godwin, community liaison manager for SSEN Transmission, said: “We would like to thank all stakeholders who have kindly taken their time to provide their feedback on our plans to develop a new overhead line between Spittal in Caithness and Beauly near Inverness.
“We would like to assure all stakeholders that we fully recognise the strength of feeling amongst the some and will do all we can to balance the views of local communities against the key environmental, technical and economic factors we have to consider in the development of this critical national infrastructure.
“Our team is currently considering all feedback received, including actively considering alternative routes and mitigation measures in areas of particular local sensitivity.
“We very much look forward to continuing to engage constructively with affected communities and wider stakeholders and are committed to work together to maximise the local economic opportunities and jobs this critical investment will unlock across the Highlands and beyond.”
The next round of formal public consultation will take place towards the end of the year, where SSEN Transmission will present potential route alignments as well as an update on potential substation locations.
