Background

In July 2005, (SHETL) and SP Transmission Limited (SPT) published the proposed route for the 400,000 volts (400kV) overhead electricity transmission line which will replace the existing 132,000 volts (132kV) transmission line between Beauly, west of Inverness, and Denny, west of Falkirk and in September 2005 submitted applications to the Scottish Ministers under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989, to construct and operate the line in their respective licensed areas.

 

The Scottish Ministers announced on 30 August 2006 that the proposed upgrade to the overhead electricity transmission line between Beauly and Denny will be referred to a public inquiry. The inquiry started in February 2007 and it is hoped that the report of the inquiry will be submitted to Ministers during the course of 2008 for a final decision.

 

The four relevant planning authorities within whose boundaries the proposed development falls; The Highland Council, Perth and Kinross, Stirling and Falkirk Councils, have lodged objections to the proposal, which have not been withdrawn.  There has also been an objection from the Cairngorms National Park Authority, and a further objection was made by Clackmannanshire Council.  In addition 17,295 objections to these applications were made to the Scottish Executive. An additional eight were received past the deadline by which representations could be made but the Scottish Ministers could see no good reason why these should be excluded from consideration.