Beauly to Denny
What is proposed?
It is a complex proposal to replace the existing 132kV line and its pylons with a 400kV line involving fewer but taller pylons. The project would also require access tracks for construction and maintenance, ancillary works and new substations. The project when completed will replace an existing transmission line.
The project is intended to facilitate the growth of the renewable energy sector, in the north and west of Scotland by making it possible to feed the power generated into the wider National Grid.
When was the application submitted?
Scottish Hydro-Electric Transmission Ltd (SHETL) and SP Transmission Ltd (SPT) submitted applications to the Scottish Ministers, under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989, to construct and operate, the transmission line between Beauly, west of Inverness, and Denny, west of Falkirk, on 5 October 2005.
Why were we consulted?
Applications to construct and operate a transmission line are made to Scottish Ministers under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 and under the Act there is a requirement to consult the appropriate local authority.
Why is it of interest in Perth & Kinross?
The route proposed follows a 220km corridor stretching through both the highlands and lowlands. Almost 100km of the transmission line passes through Perth & Kinross from Drummochter in the north to near Balhaldie in the south.
Can you tell me more about the route?
The proposed route crosses several internationally important sites for nature conservation, including the Drumochter Hills Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and South Tayside Goose Roosts Special Protection Area (SPA). It has the potential to affect a number of species and habitats, ranging from lampreys to geese and woodland to bogs. Outwith designated sites it could affect a range of species, including otters, bats and birds, and on native woodland.
When did the Council make a decision?
A report [PDF: 1.09MB] was submitted to the Development Control Committee on 12 April 2006 and Scottish Ministers were advised of our views on the proposal.
What happened?
As a consequence of this and other Council's objections to the proposal a Public Inquiry was held into the proposal. You can get more information from the dedicated web site by using the link on this page.
It is anticipated that a decision on the proposal will be made in late 2008 or early 2009.
