dumgalagainstpylons

In the summer of 2015, Scottish Power Energy Network’s (SPEN’s) published plans to install a line of pylons and substations across the Dumfries and Galloway.  This website was created to share information and views.

 

In essence, SPEN intended to install large pylons from near the west coast at Ballantrae across the region to Harker, just north of Carlisle.  There was also a planned line from Glenlee north of New Galloway to Tongland just north of Kirkcudbright.  They planned to create new sub-stations at Newton Stewart, Glenlee and Racks / Collin.  They also intended to remove some of the existing (and smaller) pylon network in the region.  You can read about SPEN’s original plans here: www.spendgsr.co.uk.  You can see the route of the original “corridor” here.

On 8 July 2016 SPEN publicised revised plans.  You can see the reduced route here.  The new plan is very similar to all that we have been advocating throughout our campaign.  We are delighted!  Alan Jones, Chair of Dumgal Against Pylons commented:

“It’s good to see that Scottish Power has listened to the concerns of residents, Community Councils, Dumfries & Galloway Council, elected representatives, and the many organisations which exist to preserve Scotland’s well-being.  Equally importantly, they have recognised that the deployment of on-shore wind farms is slowing down due to the changing political scene, which has had a significant impact on the scale of the original proposal. It is heartening, therefore, that their revised scheme provides the region with a more sympathetic solution, and one which follows the principles we have argued for all along.”

Alan went on to say, “In essence, their revised proposal provides:

•  A more sympathetic approach
• The restoration of previously blighted scenery by removing existing pylons and the elimination of spoiling yet more beautiful countryside that has never had pylons before
• The retention of 132kV as the transmission system for the area.
• Limiting the height of any new pylons to 30m
• The elimination of new, mega sub stations, and
• The opportunity for the work to generate local jobs

We need to remain on watch, however.  Kendoon to Tongland area is a sensitive environmental region so we need to pursue our goal of estimating the impact on the area and use this to seek mitigation in the form of careful route deviation from the existing line, where needed, together with undergrounding if this proves necessary and is justified.  Such an impact assessment exercise, carried out by an independent research organisation, could provide a ‘blueprint’ for further UK infrastructure projects and it is a topic we will pursue, along with the issue of better consultation and more community engagement, when we meet with Ofgem in August 2016.”