NC500's scenic Wester Ross mountain pass road to have power cable buried beside it
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A major scenic attraction on the NC500 route will soon have an electricity powerline running alongside it - but all buried underground.
The unusual plan to bury the 26 kilometre, 33Kv cable from a hydro power station at Applecross on the coast, over the Bealach na Ba (Pass of the Cattle in Gaelic) – was welcomed and approved by Highland Council members at the north planning committee today. (Tuesday September 12)
The Bealach, a drovers' road for walking cattle to market, has the steepest ascent of any UK road, and its single track hairpin bends make it a must for those enthusiastic motorists taking on taking on the challenging NC500.
The historic mountain pass built in 1822 is engineered similarly to roads through the Alps, with gradients approaching 20% rising from sea level at Applecross to 626 m (2,054 ft) in about 6 km (3.7 miles). It is the third highest road in Scotland, and signs warn drivers it is not suitable for large vehicles or towed caravans.
The cable will be buried between the Allt na Moine hydro scheme powerhouse at Lonbain, Applecross and the new Bakkafrost Indoor fish farm development at Kishorn Base, both in Wester Ross.
The meeting heard that planning permission was required because it is a private project.
It will involve a new sub-station at Applecross Steading before the line crosses the Bealach close to the viewpoint, then round to Kishorn.
The meeting had before it a report of public consultation meetings called by the applicant, Allt na Moine Hydro Ltd, when a recurring theme was the disruption and condition of the local road network during and following the work, and Cllr Isabelle Campbell echoed this concern.
She also said she didn't envy those carrying out the work at the Bealach which was often closed by winter weather.
Cllr Campbell wanted the road inspected after the cable was laid to ensure that the route was reinstated to the existing standard.
There was a moment of wry humour when committee chairman Cllr Drew Miller remarked: "I think we might want it reinstated to a better standard."
Council planner Michael Kordas reassured members that various conditions would be imposed regarding reinstatement of wear and tear caused during the contract.
It was said in a report to the meeting: "These points have been taken on board by the developers and commitments regarding traffic management, timing of events in proximity to the highway and road betterment will be made and kept."
Before the application was approved without dissent, Cllr Miller said: "It all seems quite straighforward. I am delighted to see it underground rather than on poles."
