T Route Rebuild Project
SP Transmission propose to construct a new 132 kV wood pole overhead line, approximately 13.7 km long, which will be built between a location north of Annan and the Scotland/England border in the Solway Firth. Four replacement steel lattice towers are also required, one at the western end of the route and three at the eastern end. Once the new overhead line is constructed, the existing sections of redundant steel lattice tower line (146 towers) will be dismantled and removed.
T Route Rebuild Project – Information Events
SP Transmission consulted local people on the proposals in July – August 2022 and November 2022 – January 2023. We are now holding two information events to present the final proposals. These information events will explain how feedback from earlier consultation and engagement has been considered in the final proposals, ahead of submitting the applications for consent. The two events will be held on the following dates:
Tuesday 17th March (2pm - 7pm) Smiths at Gretna Green, Gretna DG16 5EA
Wednesday 18th March (3-7pm) Victoria Hall Complex, Downie’s Wynd, Annan DG12 6EE
Feedback from consultees following the original consultation on this project has been reviewed, with subsequent amendments now included as part of the final proposal. These amendments are summarised as follows:
(1) North of Annan: We have amended the proposed route to avoid removing mature trees along the dismantled rail line and reduce the visual impact on people using the informal footpath along the line. This also allowed the removal of an additional three of the existing towers.
(2) North of Annan: We have amended the proposed route to avoid an area with planning consent for a new slurry lagoon in fields next to the dismantled railway line.
(3) North of Eastfields: In the central section of the proposed route, 17 poles were repositioned closer to an existing watercourse to avoid impacts on farming operations.
Other changes
Working with landowners, further, smaller refinements have been made to follow field boundaries where possible, provided this is in accordance with SPEN’s Approach to Routeing Overhead Lines guidance.
Project Documents
What Happens Next?
SP Transmission intends to submit an application for the T Route Rebuild Project to the Scottish Government Energy Consents Unit under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 and section 57 of the Town and Country Planning (Scotland) Act 1997 (as amended).
You can also contact us in the following ways:
Email: troute@spenergynetworks.co.uk Post: SP Energy Networks, Land and Planning, 55 Fullarton Drive, Glasgow G32 8FA
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