Public inquiry to be held over power lines upgrade
A public inquiry is to be held into the planned upgrading of the Kendoon to Tongland power line.
Tuesday, 21st December 2021, 1:32 pm
Scottish Power Energy Networks (SPEN) is seeking to replace 27 miles of overhead power lines.
In April councillors in Dumfries and Galloway made its opposition, and the Scottish Government will make a final decision.
Michael Matheson, cabinet secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, wrote to Galloway and West Dumfries MSP Finlay Carson to confirm he’ll hold a public inquiry.
Mr Carson said: I believe this is the appropriate step given the unprecedented opposition to the proposal.
“Undergrounding power cables should really be the only option especially in light of the outstanding landscape involved.”
SPEN says the power lines could be put underground, but this will add £90m to the project costs.