Scottish Power Transmission plc (SPT) as the transmission license holder on behalf of Scottish Power Energy Networks Holdings Ltd (SPEN) has submitted an application to the Scottish Government for Section 37 consent and deemed planning permission under section 57(2) of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 on 20th June 2022.
As part of a network upgrade it is necessary to reconfigure the alignment of the existing XB route to connect into Hunterston East 400kv substation. New tower XB02A is consented in accordance with the Overhead Line (Exemption) (Scotland) Regulations 2013 and the gantry at the substation is permitted development in accordance with Schedule 1, Part 13, Class 40 (f) of The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Scotland) Order 1992. Section 37 consent is therefore sought solely for the electric line connecting these two points. The electric line will be in the form of downleads from tower XB02A.
The proposal has been screened and the screening opinion from the Scottish Government confirms that an environmental impact assessment is not required.
Representations to the Scottish Government
Any representations to the application may be submitted via the Energy Consents Unit 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 there may be a delay in the Energy Consents Unit receiving representations by post.
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.
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.
Duties under the Electricity Act 1989
As the transmission license holder in southwest Scotland, SPT has a duty under Section 9 of the Electricity Act 1989 to develop and maintain an efficient, coordinated and economical system of electricity transmission and to facilitate competition in the generation and supply of electricity. The company also has obligations to offer non-discriminatory terms for connection to the transmission system, both for new generation and for new sources of electricity demand.
SP Energy Networks is also responsible for developing the transmission system and connecting new demand and generation to the grid network in accordance with the GB Security and Quality of Supply Standards. Under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989, SP Energy Networks is required to seek consent from the Scottish Ministers for the construction of any non-exempted OHL operating at a voltage greater than 20 kilovolts (kV).
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