Public meeting on pylon proposals

Sep 21 2011 by Gregor White, Stirling Observer Wednesday

MEMBERS of the public will have a chance to have their say on the latest proposals over the controversial Beauly to Denny powerline.

There was fury a few weeks ago when Scottish Power Transmissions (SPT) submitted revised plans for visual mitigation of the line as it crosses through the Stirling area. It didn’t vary significantly from previous proposals, and again ruled out running the line underground.

Now Stirling Council is to hold a public meeting on the proposals to which all residents and interested parties are invited to attend.

This will be held on Monday (September 26) at 7pm in Wallace High School.

SPT presented its first version of the visual mitigation scheme to the Scottish Energy Minister back in February, who then subsequently requested that they engage with Stirling Council to investigate more effective options.

SPT submitted its revised proposals at the end of last month, proposing “extensive screen planting and hard and soft landscaping works” along with some painting of towers.

Undergrounding was again ruled out on cost and technical difficulty grounds, with SPT also claiming the move would bring “very limited” environmental benefits.

The lack of significant change between these and the earlier proposals led secretary of the Stirling Before Pylons protest group Peter Pearson to accuse the firm of “putting two fingers up to the Scottish Government”.

Two weeks ago Councillor Callum Campbell, chair of the council's powerline steering group, confirmed they took issue with SPT’s latest proposals, and this week he said: “It is vital that there is effective mitigation to protect the residents, landscape and amenities of the Stirling Council area.

“I urge as many people as possible to come along to our next meeting on September 26 at 7pm so everyone's views can be heard.”

SPT’s latest proposals are currently subject to a period of statutory consultation and the council steering group will make their own response following next week’s meeting.

The route of the transmission line enters the Stirling Council area at Cambushinnie, to the north of Kinbuck, and crosses Sherriffmuir east of Dunblane heading down the escarpment of the Ochils at Logie, crossing the carse and River Forth east of Stirling and passing south of Fallin and east of Cowie and Plean.