MSP Urges SPEN to Address Concerns

SP Energy Networks (SPEN) must address the concerns of affected constituents, an MSP has said.

 

In a consultation submission SPEN’s proposed Dumfries and Galloway Strategic Reinforcement Project, south of Scotland MSP Joan McAlpine urged SPEN to consider undergrounding the project, or replacing the pylons along the current route.

 

The SNP MSP submitted the response after a number of constituents approached her outlining their concerns.

 

Commenting, the SNP MSP said:

 

“The majority of correspondence I have received is from constituents affected by the Eastern part of the proposed route, where the pylons are proposed in areas which had not previously had a transmission route.

 

“From an amenity point of view it would seem “the lesser of two evils” to upgrade pylons where they already exist in the landscape.

 

“Given the scale of this project and the enormity of what is at stake for the affected communities, undergrounding in this case warrants serious consideration. All options, including the latest innovative technologies should be explored and cost should not be the driving factor.”

 

She added:

 

“I understand that a number of decisions await the outcome of the consultation, such

as the size of the pylons, the costs and the route itself.

 

“However, it is crucial that residents’ views are fully taken into account at this stage and that the longer-term design of the project, should it proceed, reflects a genuine comprehension of stakeholder feedback.”

 

Notes to editors:

 

Joan’s full consultation response it attached.