Overview
Pre-Application Consultation Event
SSEN Transmission will be hosting the first of two Pre-Application Consultation events for our proposed substation extension at Knocknagael, just south-west of Inverness, as part of the Loch na Cathrach Grid Connection. The pre-application process is a key first step in the Town and Country planning process for national planning applications.
The first event will take place on Wednesday 17th April 2024 from 2 - 6:30pm in Green Drive Hall, 36 Green Drive, Inverness, IV2 4EU
We would like to extend an invitation to local members of the community and all interested parties to attend an exhibition to discuss our plans with the project team and let us know your thoughts on our proposals. Comments and queries can be made for up to 28 days after the event.
About the Project
The project includes the construction of two 275kV point of connections for the Red John Pumped Storage Scheme 450MW at the new Red John 275kV Switching Station. The Red John 275kV Switching Station consists of a new 4-bay 275kV GIS double busbar switching station complete with bus section and two bus couplers.
The Red John 275kV Switching Station will be connected to the existing Knocknagael 275kV Substation by approximately 9km of double circuit 275kV underground cable.
The project also includes enabling and wider works necessary to facilitate the connection of the Red John Pumped Storage Scheme onto the 275kV transmission network at the existing Knocknagael 275kV Substation.
Community Engagement
Throughout the life of our projects, we aim to work positively with local communities and keep people informed about what we are doing. This is particularly important when we are developing a proposal and we want to understand what local people think about our plans.
We endeavour to take the time to discuss proposals with local community councils, encourage engagement from the wider community and listen to the feedback we receive.
We will do our best to answer any questions and address issues or concerns that are raised with us.
When our project progresses into construction, we will continue working closely with the local community to ensure that our work has as little impact on the lives of those living and working in the area and as many long term positive effects as possible.
How we’re embracing artificial intelligence (AI)
We intend to use AI to assist our experienced teams in the analysis of your feedback, so we can categorise key points raised more quickly. You can learn more about how we’re utilising AI on this dedicated web page.
Project Updates
Consultation event - 7th December 2022
The team presented our plans for Red John Pump Storage Connection which includes the cable route and substation extension at the event on 7th December in Green Drive Hall.
A planning application for the construction and operation of the proposed Knocknagael substation extension will be submitted under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended). The underground cable will benefit from Permitted Development rights as set out under Class 40 1(a) of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992.
A temporary stone access track may be required to install the UGC. A planning application for the stone track will be submitted to the Highland Council under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended). This will be a separate planning application to the substation extension application.
The consultation feedback period closed on 11th January 2023 and the Report on Consultation with be available in due course.
For further information on the event, our materials and for support to submit additional feedback, please contact the Community Liaison Manager for the project, Ryan Davidson who will be happy to assist.
Consultation Event December 2022
A planning application for the construction and operation of the proposed Knocknagael substation extension will be submitted under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended). The underground cable will benefit from Permitted Development rights as set out under Class 40 1(a) of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992.
A temporary stone access track may be required to install the UGC. A planning application for the stone track will be submitted to the Highland Council under the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended). This will be a separate planning application to the substation extension application.
The event takes place on Wednesday 7th December in Green Drive Hall, Green Drive, IV2 4EU from 2-7pm. This event is open to all interested parties and members of the public to drop in anytime.
For further information on the event, our materials and for support to attend the event or submit feedback, please contact the Community Liaison Manager for teh proejct, Ryan Davidson who will be happy to assist.
Consultation Period Closed
Consultation Feedback
Consultation Event
Document Downloads
Pre-Application Consultation Event Materials April 2024
-
Loch na Cathach PAC 1 Consultation Booklet
- Type:
- Date:
- 12 April 2024
- Size:
- 8.6 MB
-
Loch na Cathrach Preferred Alignment
- Type:
- Date:
- 12 April 2024
- Size:
- 9.5 MB
-
Substation Extension Layout
- Type:
- Date:
- 12 April 2024
- Size:
- 2.1 MB
-
Red John Consultation Document Site Alignment Bound V03.pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 January 2023
- Size:
- 21.2 MB
-
Red John Consultation Booklet Dec 2022
- Type:
- Date:
- 30 November 2022
- Size:
- 9.9 MB
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Red John Location Plan Dec 2022
- Type:
- Date:
- 30 November 2022
- Size:
- 473 KB
-
Red John Proposal of Application Notice Dec 2022
- Type:
- Date:
- 30 November 2022
- Size:
- 124.6 KB
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July 2022 Report on Consultation .pdf
- Type:
- Date:
- 26 October 2022
- Size:
- 26.2 MB
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April 2022 consultation report
- Type:
- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 36.5 MB
-
April 2022 public consultation booklet
- Type:
- Date:
- 18 September 2022
- Size:
- 3.1 MB
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