Fanellan: Campaigners welcome inquiry into controversial SSEN substation plans

Opposition to a proposed substation near Beauly is heading for a local inquiry.

Highland Council has objected to SSEN Transmission plans for a proposed facility in countryside at Fanellan.

The company has lodged an appeal with the Scottish Government’s planning and environmental appeals division.

Local community leaders and campaigners claim the development would “industrialise the area” and mean years of heavy construction traffic on narrow country lanes.

Campaigners argue the plans will 'industrialise' the area — Campaigners argue the plans will ‘industrialise’ the area SSEN

Kiltarlity Community councillor Donna Peacock said: “Within the appeals document they want to remove reference to consulting with community councils and local (Highland Council) ward members. So, that’s really doubling down on how they’ve behaved to date.

“There assurances, or their words of wanting to consult, are purely big business mantra.”

Disputing that, Greg Clarke of SSEN Transmission said: “We do recognise the project will have an impact, particularly during the construction phase and if we are granted consent we are fully committed to work with the local community to do everything we can to try and keep those impacts to an absolute minimum.”

The power company wants to build a 400kV substation and converter station at Fanellan to help distribute power.

Locals say heavy construction traffic will impact the country roads STV News

Almost 2,000 people have objected, mostly citing the proposed scale of development and impact on the landscape.

Highland Council planning officers recommended that councillors approve the plans but, in February, local communities and campaigners welcomed councillors’ decision to oppose the planning application.

SSEN Transmission has continued to carry out pre-construction ground investigation works and surveys at the proposed site.

If approved, the substation is expected to take three years to complete and be operational in 2030.

It would be used as part of the existing Beauly to Denny powerline, and be a link to electricity generated in the Western Isles.