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Inquiry to start into pylon plans Pylon network inquiry under way
(about 2 hours later)
A public inquiry is beginning into plans to build a line of 600 giant electricity pylons between the Highlands and Central Scotland. A public inquiry into plans for a 137-mile power line through the Scottish countryside has begun.
The project would take power from wind farms in the Highlands and islands to the national grid, 140 miles south. Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) said it wants to replace an existing line between Beauly, near Inverness and Denny, near Stirling.
Opponents said the line, from Beauly near Inverness to Denny near Falkirk, should have been put underground. The inquiry, which began in Perth, follows years of controversy over the proposals for about 600 pylons, which would be up to 65m tall.
But the electricity company, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), said that would have been too expensive. SSE said it believes the plans would eventually be approved by ministers.
The public inquiry, being held in Perth, follows years of controversy over the proposals. The power company said the £320m development was needed for the reliable transmission of electricity from renewable sources from the north of Scotland, which would be enough to power one million homes.
However, the proposals, which would see pylons erected in some of Scotland's most picturesque locations, including the Cairngorms National Park and the Southern Highlands, have attracted fierce opposition since being announced in 2005.
More than 17,000 objections have been received by the Scottish Executive so far, including concerns raised by local authorities through which the power line would pass, as well as conservation body Scottish Natural Heritage.
HAVE YOUR SAY The Highlands have some of the most beautiful scenery. How can anyone even think of destroying it? Beth Barclay, Edinburgh Send us your commentsHAVE YOUR SAY The Highlands have some of the most beautiful scenery. How can anyone even think of destroying it? Beth Barclay, Edinburgh Send us your comments
SSE wants to replace the existing pylons along the route with new ones which would range from 42m to 65m in height. Residents have also formed opposition groups, including Highlands Before Pylons and Pylon Pressure, raising concerns about threats to tourism, house prices and health.
The company along with industry body Scottish Renewables believe that the upgrade is essential to exploit the huge wind and wave potential of the Highlands and Islands. The 11-month inquiry, set to be the longest of its kind in Scotland since devolution, will hear evidence from a long list of witnesses and sit in Inverness, Newtonmore and Stirling.
Highland Council said it supported the principle but was opposing certain sections of the line due to concerns about the impact on the landscape. SSE has already ruled out an argument for putting the line underground on cost grounds.
Objections have also been lodged by Perth and Kinross, Stirling and Falkirk councils, the Cairngorms National Park and more than 17,000 individuals and groups. The company's chief operating officer, Colin Hood, said: "We believe that our proposals, which reflect five years of environmental and technical studies and public consultations, are strongly founded and will eventually receive the go-ahead.
The inquiry, which gets under way on Tuesday, will hear arguments for putting the line underground or under sea. "It is vital that they do, because the country's goals for greener and more indigenous sources of energy depend on it."
However, these options has already been ruled out by SSE. Opening the inquiry's first session, principal reporter Timothy Brian said the proceedings were unusually long and complex.
"The aim is to give everyone a fair hearing and provide the reporters with all the information necessary," he said.
The inquiry reports will eventually be submitted to Scottish ministers for a final decision.