The latest consultation period for SSEN's Kintore - Tealing Overhead Line Proposals concluded at the end of last month but local MP Andrew Bowie has doubled down on his position regarding the proposals and vowed to continue supporting communities in their campaign against the "Monster Pylons".
Mr Bowie explains that the Scottish Government could, if they wish, halt proposals simply by using their delegated powers over planning and consenting. He highlights that the SNP administration have previously used these powers to ban new nuclear power stations and onshore fracking.
In a letter to the hundreds of residents who have contacted the MP with their objections, Mr Bowie calls out the Scottish Government for allocating so many offshore wind licenses without considering the required transmission infrastructure as being the key reason behind such proposals.
The Member of Parliament for West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine has advised residents that the next stage of consultation is scheduled for later in the year and has pledged to ensure that all impacted residents are made fully aware of the associated dates so they can continue to feed in to the process.
Mr Bowies full letter to residents is below,
"Throughout the last 12 months I have been contacted directly or copied into an incredible number of emails objecting to the SSEN Kintore – Tealing Overhead Line proposal. I would like to thank you once again for contacting me with regards to what is arguably the single biggest local issue I have had to deal with since becoming your Member of Parliament back in 2017.
"From day one I have been steadfast against these proposals, and I can reaffirm my commitment to you that throughout the remainder of the process I will continue to take every opportunity to actively voice the concerns of my constituents, stand up for our rural communities and fight for the protection of our countryside.
"You will be aware that the most recent stage of consultation has now closed, the next step in the process will be the alignment consultation, this is where the existing 1km boundaries that are currently marked for the corridor of pylons will be narrowed down to more specific locations. SSEN have pushed back the start of this stage of consultation to later in the year and I will be in touch closer to the time to ensure that all impacted residents are aware of dates.
"In the meantime, I would like to draw your attention to the Hurlie (Fetteresso Forest) substation consultation that will be held at Drumlithie Village Hall on 11th June. I know that a great number of people who have contacted me regarding the pylons have also noted interest and concerns regarding this part of the infrastructure as well.
"Whilst the UK Government has reserved competency of transmission grid regulation, the necessary pre-condition to electricity transmission infrastructure is onshore and offshore wind.
"The Scottish Government have discretionary powers over the provision of both onshore and offshore wind in Scotland and in Scottish waters.
"It is the Scottish Government that have allocated so many offshore wind licenses (without proper consultation, or appreciation for the transmission infrastructure required), as they attempt to meet their unachievable green energy targets. We saw these targets being rolled back a few weeks ago but unfortunately these offshore licenses have already been granted.
"Furthermore, The Scottish Government have devolved powers over planning and consenting. This means they can easily rule out schemes, designs, and energy infrastructure they don’t support. They have already banned new nuclear power stations and onshore fracking using these planning powers. They can do the same to rule out these monster pylons.
"I have already written to the Scottish Government outlining that they must use their devolved powers to deny any application for these monster pylons and associated infrastructure. They must act in the best interests of rural Scotland and the North East by protecting our communities, our countryside, our wildlife, and our historic environment.
"With that in mind, and with the assurance that I will continue to do all I can as your Member of the UK Parliament, I would advise reaching out to your representatives in the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) as well and urge them to do the right thing by ensuring the Scottish Government uses its devolved powers to refuse this application at the first opportunity.
"I will endeavour to update you with any further information I receive from SSEN and will of course be back in touch closer to the start of the next stage of consultation.
