Substation scheme will be ‘monstrous scar on Caithness landscape’
Opponents of the massive Banniskirk Hub substation have warned that it will be “a monstrous scar on the landscape of Caithness” while creating an “industrial wasteland” alongside the A9.
The concerns feature among 252 public comments sent to Highland Council in response to the planning application submitted by SSEN Transmission for a 400kV substation and high-voltage direct current (HVDC) converter station.
Critics have pointed out that if the complex goes ahead it will be bigger than the nearby village of Halkirk and that the overall site will be the size of 140 football pitches.
The Highland Council planning portal shows that 249 of the public comments are objections – with zero in support.
Related story:
Banniskirk Hub plans have been developed ‘as sensitively as possible’
If approved, Banniskirk Hub will connect to the proposed 400kV overhead line between Spittal and Beauly and to the existing Spittal 275kV substation. It will include a new outdoor 400kV air insulated switchgear substation and an HVDC converter station that will help transport offshore renewable energy to “demand centres” throughout the UK.
The site is defined as 360m north-east of Achalone Cottage, near Halkirk.
In an objection lodged last month, prior to the consultation expiry date of March 24, Angela Taylor wrote: “If allowed, this development will bring significant industrialisation and disruption to the surrounding area during the construction whilst leaving a monstrous industrial scar on the landscape of Caithness.
“The area is documented to have class three peat which over time and left undisturbed would contribute to becoming a valuable area of peatland habitat and essential for the planet’s future carbon capture.
“There is worryingly no endpoint to this SSEN development. SSEN demonstrate that they have little understanding nor care for the natural countryside and habitat of this part of Caithness.”
Sheena McLachlan, in another objection lodged in March, wrote: “Our existing overhead line is not used to full capacity because there is no market for the electricity produced here. Rather than building more infrastructure up here, resources should be concentrated on investment further south.”
She claimed that visualisations failed to show the true size of the site, warned that “eight archaeological assets will be completely destroyed” and maintained that tourism would be harmed by “turning the landscape along the A9 into an industrial wasteland”.
She added: “The development will have a negative impact on businesses operating in the area catering both for locals and tourists. Tourists come to the Highlands to see the renowned natural beauty, not to drive through an industrial wasteland.”
Highland News & Media asked SSEN Transmission whether it accepted that the Banniskirk Hub proposals are causing stress and anxiety for many people who live and work in the area around the development site.
In response, the company said its plans have been developed “as sensitively as possible”.
The company also pointed out that it has consulted extensively and is committed to “minimising and mitigating impacts”.
It added that the scheme will bring “significant benefits to the local economy through employment and supply chain opportunities for local people and businesses”.
