Councillors refuse consent for substation near Bonar Bridge

Highland councillors have refused planning permission for a new substation near Bonar Bridge in Sutherland.

They were told SSEN Transmission's Carnaig facility would take five years to build and involve hundreds of vehicle movements each week near a primary school.

Highland Council's north planning meeting voted 9-5 to refuse consent after hearing locals' concerns and responses from representatives from the electricity company.

Independent councillor Margaret Paterson, supported by Liberal Democrat councillor Richard Gale, put forward the motion to reject planning permission.

Shona Paterson, a local community council member, told Wednesday's meeting that traffic levels would be "diabolical" and the small village would become an "industrial wasteland".

SSEN Transmission said measures would be in place to reduce the impact of traffic and its staff had visited the primary school to inform the pupils about road safety.

The substation forms part of the proposed Spittal-Loch Buidhe-Beauly 400kV overhead line.

After the meeting, SSEN Transmission said it was disappointed by the committee's decision and said went against the recommendation of council planning officers.

A spokesperson added: "The project has been developed in line with all relevant policies and legislation, balancing community and environmental considerations with technical and economic factors.

"The Carnaig 400kV substation represents a critical step towards securing clean, affordable power, while supporting local jobs and businesses and delivering substantial long-term benefits."

They said the company would review the implications of the votes and its next steps.

The north planning committee also raised an objection to the proposed 15-turbine Shinness Wind Farm near Lairg.

The move is likely to trigger a public local inquiry.

Meanwhile, at a meeting on Thursday, Highland councillors voted to defer taking a decision on SSEN Transmission's plans for substation and converter station at Fanellan, near Beauly.

Reporting by local democracy journalist Olivia Andrews.