Objection to controversial travel hub rolled back by gas engineers
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Gas engineers appear to have dropped their objection to a controversial multimillion-pound electric vehicle charging hub, shop and takeaway on the Black Isle.
SGN, which operates major high-pressure gas pipe infrastructure nearby, had formally objected to plans by West Coast Estates (WCE) to build its proposed hub on a site in North Kessock next to the northbound A9.
When SGN first raised concerns back in October, it had warned that one of its major high-pressure gas pipelines passes barely 30 metres from the location of the planned hub, which if built would sit next to the roundabout that motorists approach as they leave the northbound A9 heading into North Kessock.
Related: Gas main concerns spark objection to £6m North Kessock hub plans
Developers say the plans will result in £6 million worth of investment, create up to 100 jobs, and provide 16 high-speed electric vehicle (EV) charging points capable of accommodating up to 32 vehicles.
At the time of its objection, SGN insisted that "a site meeting must be arranged with us to identify the location of the pipeline and discussions should take place with the developer to discuss which measures would be necessary and could be undertaken in order to safeguard the security of the pipeline."
But following consultation with the developers, SGN appears to have rowed back from its formal objection in a follow-up letter to Highland Council planners.
For while its latest letter does not explicitly state it is dropping its objection is does note that WCE and SGN have "agreed plans that will not impact the pipeline negatively", and its initial letter stressed that the objection was meant as an interim stance "until such time as a detailed consultation has taken place".
However, it has also warned that if any subsequent change is made to the hub's design it may "require further consultation".
Writing to Highland Council planners, SGN's latest letter said: "I can confirm that the developer has consulted with SGN and agreed plans that will not impact the pipeline negatively.
"Please note however that should the extent or design of the planning permission be amended, then we may require further consultation with the developer."
They added: "Excavations, stockpiling of material, vehicles crossing over the route of the pipeline, changes in ground levels, drilling, piling and the siting of temporary structures, cabins and containers are all activities that can have a negative impact on the pipeline. This list is not exhaustive and SGN advice should be sought if in any doubt.
"Contact should be made with the local pipeline engineer with regards to work commencing near the HP [high pressure] pipeline."
Despite the withdrawal of SGN's objection, the proposed development is likely to remain controversial one, having sparked a string of concerns among local residents and community figures – who have previously cited a number of worries including increased traffic, potential impact on trade among shops down in the village, and the zoning of land for a park-and-ride instead of what is proposed.
