Highland Council was under fire last night approving a giant electricity substation for a windfarm that may never be built.
Councillors yesterday backed the Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (Shet) project while still awaiting the verdict of a Court of Session challenge to the Scottish Government’s approval of the Stronelairg wind scheme nearby.
The Garvamore, Laggan, substation would facilitate the 67-turbine proposal for a wilderness that currently attracts thousands of outdoor lovers each year, in particular to participate in the Corrieyairack Challenge charity fundraiser.
Highlighting the legal challenge to a windfarm that covers an area the size of Inverness, committee member Donnie Kerr suggested it was premature to consider the 27-acre substation proposal. The application was approved, however, without a vote.
The windfarm plans, consented by government ministers, was subsequently challenged by wild land charity, the John Muir Trust (JMT) which is awaiting the judges’ ruling.
Local SNP councillor Bill Lobban was among several committee members whose focus yesterday was to attempt to mitigate the visual impact of the vast substation by tree planting and installation of screening measures.
Council leader Margaret Davidson thought it a “reasonable place for a substation”.
Speaking after the debate, JMT policy chief Helen McDade said: “We’re unsurprised that SSE (Shet) have pressed ahead with planning applications.
“There is something badly wrong with the planning process when bits of a project can be approved without the whole development being assessed holistically. Whole swathes of the Highlands are ultimately being eaten up by such decisions.”
A spokeswoman for SSE said: “We’re pleased to have been given consent for the substation as we have an obligation to provide a connection for the windfarm developer.
“A lot of work has gone into addressing the issues that local residents have raised with us by discussing proposals with communities, stakeholders and statutory consultees.”
Industry watcher Stuart Young, who lives at nearby Laggan Bridge, wrote to committee members prior to the meeting to remind them the windfarm issue was unresolved.
“Stronelairg does not have planning permission. It does not yet exist as a developable project,” he said. “If the challenge succeeds the application will fail.”