SSEN appeals against refusal of Fanellan substation

SSEN Transmission has lodged an appeal with the Scottish government after Highland Council rejected its controversial plans for new electricity infrastructure near Beauly.

The power company wants to build a 400kV substation and converter station at Fanellan.

The plans had received almost 2,000 public objections, with people nearby voicing concern about the scale of the development and its impact on the landscape.

In February, Highland communities and campaigners welcomed a council decision to refuse planning permission.

Council planning officers had recommended that councillors approve the plans.

The officials said SSEN Transmission needed the facility to help distribute power.

Kiltarlity Community Council's Donna Peacock said the decision to oppose the project was a "massively wonderful result".

SSEN Transmission has submitted an appeal to the Scottish government's Planning and Environmental Appeals Division.

The company said that while the appeals process was ongoing, it would continue to carry out pre-construction ground investigation works and surveys at the proposed substation site.

The Scottish government will be asked to make a final decision on the project.

If given the go-ahead, the scheme would take about three years to construct and could be operational in 2030.

The facility would be used as part of the existing Beauly to Denny powerline, and connections for electricity generated in the Western Isles in the future.

SSEN Transmission has also submitted an appeal against Highland Council's rejection of a substation at Carnaig near Bonar Bridge.