Consultation on controversial Caithness to Beauly powerline plan extended by SSEN

The deadline for responding to power line proposals that will affect Sutherland has been extended.

Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) is running public consultations on proposals for a 400 kilovolt (kV) overhead power line connecting Spittal in Caithness to Beauly, via Loch Buidhe in Sutherland.

Another high voltage line is planned from Peterhead to Beauly, linking with the existing Beauly to Denny super pylon line approved in 2010.

If given the green light, residents in East Sutherland communities would be directly impacted by the new power line, carried on 57m (180ft) high pylons.

Related: 'This is a huge infrastructure project': Shock over 'alarming plans' for high-volate electricity line through Sutherland

Objectors say the project – part of SSEN’s £7 billion ‘pathway to 2030’ upgrade of UK energy infrastructure in the north of Scotland – would blight views, generate noise and light pollution, and destroy natural habitats.

Pre-planning consultation had been set to continue until March 31 but has now been extended to April 14.

On the project website SSEN says this is due to the "extent of interest in the project and in direct response to requests from the community", adding "we...would encourage anyone with an interest in the project to provide their feedback..."

More details of the proposals are available here

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