Banniskirk Hub offers ‘best balance from environmental and technical perspective’
SSEN Transmission says it has sought to achieve “the best balance from an environmental and technical perspective” in its plans for the Banniskirk Hub substation, while taking account of the views of local people.
A spokesperson for the company said: “The area containing electricity infrastructure will cover only approximately one-third of the site’s temporary footprint, with most of the permanent site featuring landscaping and planting that will provide screening and help reduce its visual impact.
“Banniskirk Hub is a key component of our proposals for a new 400kV overhead line between Spittal and Beauly, supporting the delivery of high-voltage, clean renewable power and helping meet Scotland and the UK’s energy security and clean power ambitions.
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“In developing our proposals, we have sought to achieve the best balance from an environmental and technical perspective while taking account of the views of the local community, with whom we have consulted throughout the development of the project proposal.
“Discussions are ongoing with the local authority and housing providers regarding workforce accommodation, including the potential to develop legacy housing as part of our pledge to support the delivery of 1000 new homes across the north of Scotland.
“We would like to thank all those who provided feedback as part of our pre-application consultation events which have been key in helping shape our proposals. We are committed to ongoing engagement with the local community through our dedicated community liaison manager for the project, who can be contacted at slbb@sse.com.”
A 3D visualisation portal is available on the project website, showing a visual representation of the site from various points and, SSEN says, “demonstrating efforts to soften its appearance”.