How to Object?

SSEN is proposing two substations as part of their Kintore to Tealing line. They have submitted planning applicatinos to the relevant local autorities:

“Hurlie” (located in Fetteresso Forest) – Aberdeenshire Council
“Emmock” (located in Tealing) – Angus Council

The deadline for Emmock is 31^st January 2025.

Please consider submitting objections to both substations. You do not have to live in the area and each member of your household may send in an objection.

We have prepared templates for you to simply copy and paste. Try to put into your own words if possible. The number of objections will count, but template letters are less valuable the ones worded independently.

“Emmock” Tealing objection (deadline 31 January)

You can use the link below to help with your Objection Letter.

https://objecttoemmock.hooh.cloud

Send an email to planning@angus.gov.uk

Email subject: Planning ref: 24/00699/FULN. Objection to Tealing substation

To Whom It May Concern

I am writing to object to the substation at Balkemback Farm, Tealing Ref: 24/00699/FULN on the following grounds:

Location and size

At a size in excess of 79 hectares for the site, this is equivalent to more than 120 football pitches and is completely out of keeping with a rural setting.
Tealing has 350 households and a population of 700 residents, a small community which will be completely overshadowed by what is essentially an industrial development.
I believe that the development will deter people from living in this area.

I believe that this development is contrary to NPF4 planning policy regarding the choice of a correct site.
I believe that this development is contrary to national policy regarding safeguarding and protecting the character of a rural area.
I believe that the proposals will have a negative impact on rural living.

I understand that this proposal is in contrast to the LDP’s aim to conserve the area for present and future generations.

Cumulative effect

Should the substation be built, a plethora of other new electrical infrastructure will seek connection to the substation further industrialising the area. There are already a number of new projects seeking connection to the substation.
The effect of these developments contravenes local development policy regarding cumulative effect.
In addition to the original substation (21 acres), its extension (15 acres), this new substation with a development platform of 50 acres will sit in an area of approx 195 acres. The proposed substation will enable an ever-increasing amount of electrical infrastructure to the area, bringing noise, eliminating wildlife, irreversibly changing the landscape and amenity of the area.

Landscape and visual impact

The mitigation to screen the substation and help it blend in with the landscape, is totally inadequate and is akin to the present screening of Seagreen which has in the main part failed to conceal the substation.
The mitigation regarding screening shows visualisations in summer and at maturity. It has failed to include how deer will not nibble the top of the trees stopping them growing to maturity.
The visual impact on the landscape would be irreversible.
Screening and photographic representations within the plans show the visualisation in summer when leaves are present and mature trees have been established
Guidelines for siting substations suggest that the substation should fit in with the landscape character of the area which is not the case with these proposals.
No reference has been made to the view from Craigowl Hill, a view enjoyed by walkers which will be marred by the view of the substation.

Wildlife

The area has a large amount of wildlife living in the area and using it as a wildlife corridor who will be impacted by the construction work alone.
The area is used as a flight path for numerous birds who will be impacted by the construction work.

Socio- economic impact

The development would have detrimental effects on businesses in the area, people’s health and wellbeing regarding anxiety caused by noise in construction, impact on daily living, and consequently house prices
National planning policy indicates that renewable energy proposals should maximise benefits to locals, however the community do not see any benefit from this substation.

Agriculture

The detrimental effect on agriculture is potentially considerable, as not only will agricultural land be taken for the development, but land will also be impacted by road widening and access to the works.
I am concerned that drainage will be affected by changes to the road usage.
I consider the biosecurity measures are inadequate to prevent the spread of disease which if spread would render arable fields unusable for many years. Recent ground investigation works have not shown adequate biosecurity protocols.
I have concerns about the soil reinstatement protocols being of sufficient quality.

Noise and pollution

I am concerned about the impact of noise, vibration and pollution during construction with an estimated 20,000 HGVs estimated to be used in one year alone. I consider this totally inappropriate for a rural area.

Flawed consultation

The information given by SSEN has been inadequate and not clear. Proposals referred initially to Tealing substation, so I was unaware of the advent of an additional and considerably bigger substation being proposed. I am confused by the reference to the substation as the Emmock substation, as Emmock is in Dundee. The Emmock Road is not adjacent to the proposed site.
Information at the consultation events was inadequate and I found it misleading.
The proposals for the substation were not presented to the public at the earliest stage as advocated in consultation guidelines.
Inaccurate information was included in the literature produced by SSEN.
Information received at such consultations was limited and on occasions misleading.

Community benefit

Suggested benefits to the local community are misleading as I understand they may not go directly to those hosting the infrastructure.

Please accept this as an OBJECTION to plans for the substation.

[Full name]

[Postal address]