Highland Council will not object to “necessary evil” overhead power line
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Highland Council has lent its support to an SSEN power line project – but only if a specific route is followed.
SSEN says the existing overhead transmission line in Skye is nearing the end of its working life and is proposing a new line in a £400 million investment in the network.
If agreed by Scottish ministers the line will run for 110km from Edinbane to Fort Augustus substations.
Highland Council is one of the statutory consultees and at a joint meeting of its south and north planning committees yesterday agreed not to object to the plan.
However, planning experts and local councillors agreed they could only support one specific route through Kyle Rhea, setting it at odds with NatureScot.
Councillors yesterday welcomed the SSEN investment but expressed sadness at the impact on the landscape.
Councillor Drew Millar said: “Although it’s probably a necessary evil, there’s no doubt the visual impact will be huge.”
There were two main points of concern for councillors: first, that only a small section of the power line will be buried underground (from north of Sligachan, across the River Sligachan, skirting the edge of the Cuillin Hills and following the A87 past Loch Sligachan and Loch Ainort); and, second, the route of the line across the Kyle Rhea.
On the second point SSEN offered two options:
Option A – SSEN’s preferred route – follows the existing overhead line then heads south near Loch Alsh to the existing crossing point, utilising the existing towers north of Kylerhea village.
Option B follows a more southern route down the Glen Arroch road, down the glen towards Kylerhea, traversing the hillside above the village and the ferry terminal. It would then head north through woodland to the existing overhead line’s crossing point over the Kyle Rhea.
Both options have a significant impact on the Kinloch and Kyleakin Hills Special Area of Conservation. NatureScot has objected to both, but says option B will do the least ecological damage.
However, local community councillors strongly favour option A, as does the council’s own planning service.
Highland Council planners say the alternative route carries significant landscape and visual impacts.
Their recommendation to councillors was to raise no objection to the project, on condition the line follows route A.
Councillors briefly discussed “beefing up” an objection to route B. However, planners said any objection would automatically trigger a public inquiry. Instead, they urged members to support a plan that welcomes the network investment but clearly rules out option B.
Members agreed to this plan.
As a national planning application, the council is one of a large number of consultees. NatureScot has already objected to the new overhead line, which cuts through no fewer than 10 special landscape areas.
So too have both the council’s forestry officer and Scottish Woodland Trust.
Scottish ministers will now have to weigh up the benefits and risks before reaching a decision.
SSEN Transmission welcomed the council’s decision to support its application which it said is essential to maintain network reliability and security of supply to thousands of homes and businesses.
A spokesperson said: “We also note the council’s clear support for our preferred alignment as the line passes Kylerhea, which is also supported by a number of our stakeholders, in particular the local community.
“The existing overhead line from Fort Augustus to Skye is fast reaching the end of its operational life, as demonstrated by a recent fault which resulted in the temporary loss of power to over 20,000 customers along its route and in the Western Isles, which is supplied by two subsea cables from north Skye.
“As well as maintaining network reliability in the local area and in the Western Isles, the replacement line will also enable the connection of new renewable electricity generation along its route, supporting the transition to net zero and helping secure the country’s future energy independence.
“We now look forward to the Scottish Government’s determination of our Section 37 application and remain committed to work constructively with all stakeholders to ensure the timely delivery of this critical national infrastructure, which is essential to keep the lights on and support the transition to net zero.”
