Banniskirk Hub plans have been developed ‘as sensitively as possible’
Plans for the controversial Banniskirk Hub have been developed “as sensitively as possible”, according to SSEN Transmission.
The company also points out that it has consulted extensively and is committed to “minimising and mitigating impacts”. It says the massive substation scheme in the centre of Caithness will bring “significant benefits to the local economy”.
A spokesperson for SSEN Transmission said: “We understand the strength of feeling from some about our proposals and we would like to reassure community members and wider stakeholders we have worked hard to develop the Banniskirk Hub project as sensitively as possible, minimising and mitigating impacts where possible, to ensure we achieve the best balance from an environmental and technical perspective, all while taking account the important views of local people with whom we have consulted extensively throughout the development process.
“As part of our planning application, we have submitted plans for extensive landscape bunding and planting to help screen the development from view to help minimise and mitigate local impacts.
“Not only will the Banniskirk Hub play a major role in helping to strengthen the country’s energy security and clean power targets, it will also deliver significant benefits to the local economy through employment and supply chain opportunities for local people and businesses, including proposals to develop a new operational depot in the area that will house permanent members of staff – supporting the local economy for future generations.
“This underlines our commitment to Caithness as a key contributor to national clean energy and energy security ambitions.
“Discussions are ongoing with the local authority and housing providers regarding workforce accommodation, including our commitment to develop legacy housing as part of our pledge to support the delivery of 1000 new homes across the north of Scotland that will help address the rural housing crisis and hopefully help reverse population decline in Caithness.
“We would like to thank all those who provided feedback as part of our pre-application consultation events which have been key in helping shape our proposals and want to reassure them that we are committed to ongoing dialogue with the local community regarding these projects.”
Banniskirk Hub is a key component of the proposals for a new 400kV overhead line between Spittal and Beauly, helping to meet Scottish and UK government ambitions on energy security and clean power.
The hub is part of the wider Spittal/Beauly overhead line project.
SSEN Transmission says it has welcomed more than 2000 people to 38 consultation events, receiving over 1400 pieces of feedback.
