Electricity line spanning eight miles across Argyll and Kintyre given green light despite objections

A new overhead electricity line spanning eight miles across Argyll and Kintyre has been given the green light despite public objections to the project.

SSEN Transmission have been granted consent to build the Creag Dhubh-Dalmally overhead line, with the power of 275kV and spanning 13.3km.

The planning application for the line was first sent to the Scottish Government in 2022 before an Argyll and Bute Council committee voted to raise an objection to the application.

A public local inquiry began which SSEN said “increased the cost of the project” and with legal costs “ultimately cost energy consumers”.

Now Holyrood ministers have given permission to the plans which SSEN said will help deliver “a cleaner, more secure and affordable energy system for current and future generations”.

Plans will see the line run from the proposed Creag Dhubh substation and the tie in to the existing Scottish Power Energy Networks overhead line at Glen Lochy.

The move was welcomed by SSEN Transmission who said they will work with the local community to minimise the impact of construction.

Tony Scott, Director of Capital Development and Delivery, said: “As a responsible developer with decades of experience and expertise in developing transmission infrastructure, this decision demonstrates the robustness and professionalism of our development process.

“We also recognise that some in the local community may be disappointed by the decision and as we now look ahead to the construction phase, we would like to reassure the local community and wider stakeholders that we are committed to working with them to minimise any construction impacts, alongside engaging with businesses and other partners in the area to maximise the economic opportunities that our investments across Argyll and Kintyre represent.

“We also believe today’s outcome strengthens the widespread calls for reforms to our planning system to avoid unnecessary and costly delays.

“Such delays are not in anyone’s interests, whether from the point of view of local jobs and investment, the uncertainty caused to communities, or of course in relation to critical national infrastructure projects that are essential to delivering a cleaner, more secure and affordable energy system for current and future generations.

“We now look forward to working with the local community and wider stakeholders as we prepare for the construction phase.”

Argyll and Bute Council has been contacted for comment.