Public meeting to hear concerns over impact of 'super-pylons' on Scottish Borders
SP Energy Networks has been invited to attend...
Last updated 8th Nov 2024
Protesters from across the Scottish Borders are coming together to demand a rethink over plans for giant pylons to be built across the region.
Local MP John Lamont is hosting the public meeting to discuss proposals for the cross-border connection, which will see a new overhead line erected from near Midlothian to south of Newcastleton.
As well as pylons of around 60 metres in height, the plans also include proposals for two new sub stations near Lauder and Hawick.
Scottish Power Energy Network (SPEN) staff have been invited to attend the meeting at Caddonfoot Village Hall, near Galashiels, on Saturday afternoon (November 8th), between 1pm and 3pm.
Mr Lamont said: “The Borders has some of the most beautiful landscapes anywhere in Scotland or the United Kingdom.
“That is why, like many local residents, I am concerned about the impact these proposed super-pylons could have on areas across the Borders.
“It is only right that SP Energy Networks extend the public consultation and allow more people to voice their concerns.”
READ MORE: Could Center Parcs boost the case for extending the Borders Railway?
As well as concerns over the impact the pylons will have on the local landscape, questions have also been raised over the risk to tourism, local wildlife, and residents' health.
Helen Bradwell, who lives in the Ettrick Valley, told Greatest Hits Radio: "It's going to be coming through just beyond our property but, my main concern is the shortest route is not going to be taken because it's going to be too near to people's homes, so too many people will complain.
"If they can't bury the cables because of the cost, why don't they want to take it the shortest route?
"When asked about the risk of cancer, noise etc that I was aware came with pylons, I was told: 'This is why we don't put them up near towns and cities.'
"Does that mean people in the countryside don't matter? We're already looking at our countryside being industrialised by turbines.
"I don't disagree we need to help the environment but digging up or countryside, especially peat, when in other areas it is being saved - even put back - why doesn't it matter when power companies want to make a profit?
"We pay more for electricity the further north you go, yet we are the one seeing the destruction on our land all for greed."
READ MORE: Survey shines spotlight on future of community woodland
Scottish Borders Council has written to SP Energy Networks, asking for the public consultation to be extended. It is due to come to an end on November 30th.
And local MSP Christine Grahame is also urging locals to make their voices heard.
She said: “I know many of my constituents are concerned about the proposals, and during my meeting I raised a number of issues, including sensitivity around the Southern Upland Way route and the Golden Eagle Project.
“I am now waiting for some further information to be provided and will take time to fully consider my response."
READ MORE: Importance of volunteers highlighted at ClubSport Roxburgh's annual awards
SP Energy Networks say the Cross Border Connection is vital to strengthen the UK’s electricity system, but insists it is listening.
A spokesperson said: “After much research, a preferred route has been identified that balances providing a cost efficient, robust and reliable electricity network, needed by everyone, with landscape, wildlife, visual and community considerations.
"We have been speaking with local residents about our plans and obtaining their views to help us develop our proposals further.
“We are currently in the first of two rounds of consultations on the project and have extended the consultation period to November 30th, based on feedback from the community."
And they added: "We are happy to discuss the appropriateness of the length of the consultation period with Scottish Borders Council.”
You can access a feedback form online at Have Your Say - SP Energy Networks or email info@crossborderconnection.co.uk.
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our new home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/