Moray MP Douglas Ross has hailed a “terrific victory” for local campaigners as Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Transmission have significantly revised their plans for a substation in the area.
Following extensive campaigning by concerned constituents in Keith and nearby communities, SSEN Transmission have confirmed they have made major changes to their initial plans.
Plans for a new Blackhillock substation near to the south east of the existing substation have now been changed.
Douglas says it is “hugely welcome” that SSEN Transmission have listened to the “major concerns” that were made by the local community during the consultation phase about the impact it would have had on the landscape, as well as planned developments such as a new Keith Health Centre.
Douglas added that this is an example of how “positive outcomes” can be achieved when communities are properly consulted and that if any similar plans were brought forward in the future, a similar level of engagement must be carried out.
Moray MP Douglas Ross said: “This change from SSEN Transmission is a terrific victory for local campaigners who made their significant concerns known to them as soon as this planned substation was announced.
“I was proud to stand alongside them in their fight. Having another substation to the east of Keith was wholly misguided and would have been wholly unsuitable.
“The fact that SSEN Transmission have now abandoned their plan entirely to site Blackhillock 2 in Moray is hugely welcome.
“It would have had a deeply damaging impact on the local landscape and potentially been harmful to future developments such as the plans for a long overdue new health centre in Keith.
“SSEN Transmission's changes are a great example of the positive outcomes that can be achieved when communities are properly engaged with and listened to. If any plans were ever to rear their head in the future, then that same level of engagement would be a must.
“I’m grateful to local people and groups who once again stood up for their local community and the result they have achieved is fantastic to see.”