SP Energy Networks (SPEN) has submitted applications to Scottish Ministers seeking consent to replace the existing 132,000 volt electricity transmission network between Kendoon and Tongland in Dumfries and Galloway with new overhead lines.
There are five separate applications covering the installation of around 44km of new lines and the removal of existing lines as part of the Kendoon to Tongland 132kV Reinforcement (KTR) Project.
The KTR Project represents a major investment in modernising the area’s electricity network, which has not changed since it was built more than 80 years ago, securing local electricity supplies for the future.
SPEN has been consulting on the plans since 2015 and has carried out three rounds of pre-application consultation which have influenced the design of the project. Full details of the project, the consent applications, Environmental Impact Assessment Report and the consultation feedback reports can be found in the Project Documents page of this website.
Overhead power lines require consent under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989, and applications are decided by the Scottish Ministers and not local planning authorities. The Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit has also published the applications on its website www.energyconsents.scot under application references ECU00002124 to ECU00002128.
SPEN has also applied for directions under Section 57(2) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 that planning permission for the overhead lines and ancillary development be deemed to be granted.
Representations to any of the applications should be submitted directly to the Energy Consents Unit, either via the website at www.energyconsents.scot/Register.aspx ; by email to the Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit mailbox at representations@gov.scot; or by post to the Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit, 4th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow, G2 8LU, identifying the proposal and specifying the grounds for representation.
Please note that the application reference number must be clearly stated in the representation. If the representation applies to one or more of the applications, the relevant reference numbers must also be stated.
Written or emailed representations should be dated, clearly stating the name (in block capitals), full return email and postal address of those making representations. Only representations sent by email to representations@gov.scot will receive acknowledgement.
Scottish Ministers will continue to accept representations from the public beyond the date stated in the public notices (13 November 2020), up to 13 February 2021, the point at which determination of the application is expected to commence.