How to Object?

The latest phase of the consultation on the alignment of the pylon overhead line (route F) and new substation (Hurlie) took place early October
The deadline for our feedback on this phase of the consultation is Thursday 21 November
SSEN will confirm the alignment of the route and the positions of the pylons around January 2025. They will hold another consultation for this, which we can again object to
SSEN will submit the final planning application to the Energy Consents Unit (Scottish Government) around March 2025. This is where we will need to submit material and technical objections, which we’ll help you with
It’s important that we object at every stage of the process. Every email matters!

SSEN pylon route consultation

ROUTE F: Dunecht, Echt, Drumoak and Durris

Kintore-Tealing 400kV OHL Connection – SSEN Transmission

By 21 November

Substation

HURLIE SUBSTATION: Fettereso Forest, near Stonehaven

Hurlie 400kV substation – SSEN Transmission (ssen-transmission.co.uk)

By 21 November

WRITE YOUR EMAIL

Anyone with an email address can object (e.g. two adults and two teenagers in a household could submit four objections). You don’t have to live in the area and be impacted to object.

STATE THE PROJECT (remember to send a separate email for each project):

SSEN Kintore-Tealing Pylon Line: ROUTE F (Dunecht, Echt, Drumoak, Durris)
Hurlie 400kV substation

STATE YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND CONTACT DETAILS.
STATE YOUR REASONS FOR YOUR OBJECTION

It is important to use the words “I object” in your letter, otherwise your letter may be taken merely as a comment.

Here are some suggestions based on feedback in the community we have gathered. We also have a sample objection below for ease.

Landscape and visual impact
Alternatives of underground or offshore not considered
Not for benefit of Scottish communities, primarily for export
Health concerns from industrial strength line with high voltage.
Mental health and wellbeing impact
Impact to future economic prospects of communities – reduction in house prices, less attractive to new residents.
No proper assessment or meaningful consultation.
Poor consultation process
Cumulative environmental impact not considered – no overall assessment of the impact of the whole line.
Nature, environment, biodiversity
Long-term negative economic effect for communities relating to reduction in property values, reduced ability to sell.

Sample objection

I write in response to SSEN’s public consultation. I object to all of SSEN’s proposals for new overhead lines (and substations).

My reasons are that SSEN’s new project will:

Damage the environment – habitats will be lost, wildlife will be displaced
Harm the health, mental health and wellbeing of people living and working near overhead lines
Destroy tourism in the area and people’s enjoyment of the countryside – nobody wants to visit or be anywhere near monster 56 – 70m pylons
Damage the farming industry – acres of farmland will be decommissioned impacting food security

I object to SSEN’s proposals because alternative technologies exist to transmit power over the long distances from offshore wind farms for distribution to consumers south of the border, without damaging the very environment that renewable energy is supposed to protect. Please confirm that you have received this.

Yours faithfully