By Jennifer Bruce
Residents of communities in and around Aberdeenshire shared their concerns over SSEN’s plan for installing a 400kV substation during a pre-determination hearing last week in Stonehaven.
The hearing, which was held in Aberdeenshire Council’s Viewmount building last Wednesday (November 26), saw representatives from SSEN present an overview of site plans for the proposed Hurlie substation, which is to cover just under 720 acres of woodland in Fetteresso Forest. Members of the public who had already submitted valid representations, as well as Scottish and Southern Electricity Network (SSEN) and consultees, also had the chance to express their views to councillors before they determine the application.
If planning permission is granted, SSEN will construct a 400kV Air Insulated Substation along with associated earthworks including access, drainage, landscaping, security, temporary construction compounds, equipment and material storage areas.
SSEN spokesman Chris Gardner said approval for the substation: “is of national importance”, contributing towards the Scottish Government’s net zero targets.
But one of the main concerns from members of the community was the substation’s impact on the environment.
Surveyor and land agent, Ian Thornton Kemsley, said the Hurlie Substation is: “likely to cause significant environmental harm”.
Another key issue raised was the overhead power lines that will connect to the substation.
Drumlithie farmer, Trevor Reid, said: “This substation and the overhead lines will destroy the natural beauty of this area, damage local businesses and inflict irreparable damage to the farming community and water supplies.”
Despite calls from councillors that the hearing was only to share views concerning the plans for the substation and not the overhead lines, SSEN spokesman Callum Grant conceded that: “The Substation has no function without the overhead lines”, validating the concerns of locals.
The hearing also made clear that Aberdeenshire isn’t the only area to be affected by the substation. Chair of Inveresk Community Council, Ann Matthews said: “The consequence of permitting this application would be only detrimental, with impact widely on Mearns and neighbouring Inveresk residents and their quality of life.”
Although no final decision was made at Wednesday’s hearing, the proceedings were recorded and all points raised will be placed before the Kincardine & Mearns Area Committee for discussion. A report will then go to a meeting of Infrastructure Services Committee where councillors will determine the application.
Jennifer Bruce from Stonehaven graduated from RGU with a first class in media and is now studying her Masters degree in Journalism