SSEN’s plans for a 400kV substation at Fetteresso Forest near Stonehaven have been narrowly refused by Aberdeenshire councillors, despite arguments that the project was critical to the North-east’s long-term economic future.
The Hurlie substation proposal attracted more than 2,000 objections and was considered by the council’s infrastructure services committee following a seven-hour debate. The decision was split, with committee chair Alan Turner using his casting vote to refuse the application.
Speaking at the meeting, SSEN’s Chris Gardner said the development would be an “environmentally responsible, sensitively sited and well-screened development”, adding: “It is designed to deliver nationally critical grid capacity that will support clean power and energy security targets in a way that respects local amenity and environmental quality.”
He also highlighted the economic impact, stating: “Our planned investments across the region, of which Hurlie is a key component, will deliver a significant positive economic benefit. We forecast an estimated spend of up to £1billion on local businesses, boosting the Aberdeenshire economy by up to £820million and supporting an estimated 1,140 jobs across the region.”
Addressing the committee in support of the project, Jason Stewart, Commercial Director at Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, said: “Upgrading our energy grid is absolutely key to unlocking investment in a range of sectors that will be important to our future economy.”
He added: “The Hurlie project is particularly important because our region’s long-term prosperity is going to depend on diversifying our economy into industries of the future. It will play a critical role in delivering Scotland’s future energy system, ensuring the network can support major investment and long-term economic growth in the North-east.”
Councillors opposing the scheme cited concerns over landscape impact and the industrialisation of a rural area, which ultimately proved decisive in the final vote.