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Published: 22 Mar 2021

Kinardochy substation

Trust comments on proposed substation near Loch Kinardochy.

Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission plc (SHE Transmission) has applied for planning permission to construct and operate a new reactive power compensation substation and associated infrastructure at a site immediately west of the B846 (Aberfeldy to Tummel Bridge) at Tomphubil, 3 km south of the village of Tummel Bridge.

The need for a new substation arises from the forecasted rise in installed renewable energy capacity that is expected to apply for a connection to the Beauly Denny overhead transmission line in the next ten years. The increased amount of electricity connecting to the overhead line can cause changes to voltage levels which can interfere with safe supply. A new substation would make sure the voltage levels remain within the required limits to ensure safe and reliable supply of electricity.

The Trust has engaged with the proposal because the site is located between two National Scenic Areas - Loch Rannoch and Glen Lyon National Scenic Area is located approximately 1.3 km to the southwest and the Loch Tummel National Scenic Area is approximately 1.5 km east/northeast – whilst the Schiehallion-Breadalbane Schiehallion Wild Land Area is to the west/southwest of the site’s 2km study area boundary.

After meeting with the developer and examining the plans, our comments have focused on how the approach to the design and construction of the proposed development is expected to reduce landscape, visual and ecological impacts. We have questioned the absence of a Wild Land Impact Assessment and the omission of a viewpoint from Schiehallion. These omissions restrict the ability of people to comment on the possible visual impact from Schiehallion. We have commended the approach to design and the landscape restoration plans.

The application is available from the Perth and Kinross Council planning website and can be found by searching for ‘21/00215/FLN’ using the simple search function. Comments can be submitted through the planning portal or by email to developmentmanagement@pkc.gov.uk clearly stating your name, address and the development your comments concern. Members of the public have until 16 April 2021 to submit any comments.

The John Muir Trust’s comments are available to download below.