Plans for substation size of '30 football pitches' in Angus set for approval

Controversial plans for an Angus electricity substation equivalent to the size of 30 football pitches have been recommended for approval.

The application, lodged by SSEN, is seeking permission to build a substation platform at Balkemback Farm in Tealing and is scheduled to go before councillors at a special full council meeting next week.

The proposed location is at the southern end of a line of planned ‘super-pylons’ SSEN want to run from Aberdeenshire to Angus.

The Scottish Government will decide on the 400kV line scheme. However, the substation application decision lies with Angus Council.

If approved, 22 400/275kV open-air substation bays would cover an area equivalent to around 28 football pitches.

The plans prompted the largest ever number of objections to an Angus planning application, with the local authority receiving more than 1,700 representations.

Concerns raised include the possible impact on the landscape, road traffic and pedestrian safety, noise and pollution.

Campaign groups Stop Tealing Industrialisation Group (STIG) and Angus Pylon Action Group (APAG) have also submitted a joint 28-page document.

Despite this, council planning officials have recommended the controversial development be approved.

It comes after Angus Council unanimously decided to oppose the multi-million-pound overhead line scheme last month.

Statutory consultees, such as councils, were given two months to give their responses to the application.

The Scottish Government will decide on the application.

However, the authority’s opposition could spark a public inquiry.