Plans for new electricity substation in Fife village thrown out by councillors

Plans for a new electricity substation in the Fife village of Guardbridge have been thrown out by councillors.

SP Energy Networks had applied for permission to build a primary substation on land off Main Street.

However, Fife Council’s North East Planning Committee voted to refuse them.

A planning statement from the energy providers said the development would support rising demand from new housing, electric vehicles, heat pumps and future development around St Andrews and the University of St Andrews’ Eden Campus.

However, a total of 34 objections were received to the plans, which included one from Guardbridge Community Council.

Concerns raised include noise, visual impact, the loss of open space, potential flooding issues, its proximity to homes and the primary school, and whether alternative sites were adequately considered.

The proposals had been recommended for approval by Fife Council planners.

Lead Professional and Case Officer Scott Simpson told the committee that sound mitigation had been explored to ensure noise levels were not an issue.

His report added: “The proposal would be considered acceptable in terms of its impact on road safety and its impact on the surrounding area in terms of visual impact, natural heritage, residential amenity, contaminated land, air quality, flooding and sustainability.

“It would also bring about a positive biodiversity enhancement to the site and would provide essential infrastructure required to address capacity constraints within the existing electricity network, and which would provide additional network capacity to facilitate future growth, renewable energy connections and low-carbon technologies.”

Councillor Allan Knox was unconvinced and put forward a motion to reject the application.

“I do think that I remain to be convinced about not having any noise and the close proximity to the residential dwellings,” he said.

“I would like to move a proposal based on residential amenity.”

Cllr David MacDiarmid moved to accept the recommendation and approve the plans.

“I am the only electrician in the room and I know exactly how these things work and I know everything about them,” he said.

“I know what they are and know the area very well.”

A vote from councillors saw the plans refused by a vote of seven to five.