SSEN Transmission withdraws Broadford planning application for temporary accommodation following community feedback

Image of public consultation event attendees and ssen transmission colleagues talking over a large map

  • Company working with contractor to identify alternative location for temporary accommodation

SSEN Transmission has advised its contractor to withdraw a planning application for a proposed temporary accommodation village near Broadford in Skye to support the workforce involved in building its Skye Reinforcement Project.

The proposal, submitted by SSEN Transmission’s contractor GE Verona/Sodexo,

identified a site on Torrin Road near Broadford. However, following feedback from the local community, SSEN Transmission has decided not to proceed with the application for this location.

SSEN Transmission is now working closely with GE Verona to identify a more suitable alternative site. Any new proposal will be subject to full community consultation once a location is confirmed.

The Torrin Road site was one of two proposed accommodation villages on Skye. SSEN Transmission has confirmed there are no plans to seek an alternative site for the second proposed village at Ashaig.

Simon Johnstone, Lead Project Manager for SSEN Transmission, said:
“We’ve listened carefully to the community’s feedback and, as a result, have asked our contractor to withdraw the planning application for Torrin Road.

“We’re grateful to everyone who took the time to share their views. We’re now actively exploring alternative locations that will meet our contractor’s accommodation needs while minimising any impact on the local community.

“Once a new site is identified, we’ll engage with the local community to seek their input on updated plans. This reflects our ongoing commitment to working collaboratively with the community as we deliver the Skye Reinforcement Project.”

About the Skye Reinforcement Project

The Skye Reinforcement Project involves upgrading the high-voltage electricity network between Ardmore on the Isle of Skye and Fort Augustus.

The existing single-circuit 132kV overhead line - parts of which date back to the 1950s -is nearing the end of its operational life.  Its replacement is essential to maintaining network reliability and security of supply for homes and businesses in Skye, along the route, and in the Western Isles, which are currently served by two subsea electricity distribution cables from north Skye.

The new double-circuit line will use steel lattice towers of similar height and design to the existing infrastructure.  While the voltage will remain the same, the new line will offer increased capacity, enabling the connection of new renewable electricity generation and further strengthening the network’s reliability.

The project includes:

  • Approximately 160km of overhead line replacement
  • 24km of underground cable
  • Substation upgrades at Dunvegan and Fort Augustus
  • Substation extensions at Edinbane and Broadford

The Skye Reinforcement Project is part of SSEN Transmission’s wider investment programme, which will see over £22bn invested in electricity transmission infrastructure across the north of Scotland. This investment will unlock Scotland’s clean energy potential, support national energy security and climate targets, and deliver jobs and local benefits.

To sign up for updates or learn more, visit: https://www.ssen-transmission.co.uk/skye-reinforcement