Report on Consultation
30 Sep 2020 14:02
We would like to thank all of those who took part in our recent public consultation for taking the time to complete a feedback form to share their thoughts on the 3 options presented for the Creag Dhubh to Dalmally 275kV Connection project. We have collated the feedback we have received from local stakeholders and statutory consultees via the virtual consultation events, feedback forms, emails, calls and meetings. We have now published the outcome of this feedback, in our report on consultation that can be viewed from the Project Documentation page. Based on the feedback received during consultation, in particular from statutory stakeholders, SSEN Transmission can confirm its preferred option is number three; an alternative overhead line connection location east of Dalmally and new switching station, avoiding the need to connect to the existing Dalmally substation.
This option addresses a number of concerns that local community members had raised about the visual and cumulative impacts of connecting to the existing network infrastructure in the Strathy of Orchy. It also avoids the significant environmental challenges associated with the undergrounding option, which presented a significant risk of pollution to Loch Awe due to the risk of flooding of local watercourses in the area. Over winter we will carry out detailed assessments on option 3 and will seek to find a favourable alignment, taking into consideration the community feedback, environmental and construction challenges and the on-going maintenance of the line, once operational. During this time, we will continue to engage with local stakeholders and statutory consultees and seek feedback. Although the current consultation period is closed, we would still like to hear from anyone who is interested in finding out more about the project or would like to discuss the next stage of the development process.
