Angus councillors have overwhelmingly rejected plans for a significant electricity substation in Tealing, branding the proposed facility an “industrial carbuncle” and casting doubt on a vital part of Scotland’s strategy to meet its net-zero emissions targets. The decision by Angus Council on Tuesday marks the second time in a month the local authority has opposed major infrastructure proposals by SSEN Transmission, the company responsible for the north of Scotland’s high-voltage electricity network.
The application, lodged by SSEN Transmission, sought permission to construct a substation platform at Balkemback Farm in Tealing, Angus. This site is intended to be the southern terminus for a new 400kV overhead transmission line, commonly referred to as ‘super-pylons’ by local residents, which SSEN plans to run from Aberdeenshire to Angus.
While the overall 400kV line scheme falls under the remit of the Scottish Government for approval via a Section 37 consent under the Electricity Act 1989, the substation application itself was subject to Angus Council’s planning determination. The proposed Tealing substation would have comprised twenty-two 400/275kV open-air bays, covering an expansive area equivalent to approximately 28 football pitches, or roughly 200 acres.
The plans ignited significant local opposition, prompting over 1,700 objections to Angus Council – reportedly the largest volume of representations ever received for a planning application in the region. During a special full council meeting, emotional deputations highlighted fears over the environmental and economic impact on the rural community.
Conversely, SSEN Transmission emphasised the national importance of the project.
However, councillors remained unconvinced regarding the local benefits. Councillor Lloyd Melville stated: “Even when pressed, the applicant could not demonstrate tangible economic benefit. We don’t get to a fair and inclusive transition by ignoring the views of local communities and ripping up the local environment. We get there by working with people and making energy work for communities.”
Councillor Gavin Nicol added: “Coming out of Dundee up the dual carriageway towards Tealing, there is a road sign that says birthplace of Scotland. And a few hundred metres up the road, we’re going to be faced with this industrial carbuncle. This project does not benefit anyone in the area and also ruins the rural setting.”
The vote resulted in a decisive rejection, with 19 councillors voting against the proposals and only two in favour.
This refusal follows Angus Council’s unanimous opposition last month to the wider Kintore to Tealing 400kV overhead line scheme. Such opposition from a statutory consultee to a Section 37 application can trigger a Public Local Inquiry, potentially delaying a project deemed critical for Scotland’s energy transition.
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The substation and overhead line are part of SSEN Transmission’s ambitious ‘Pathway to 2030’ programme, a £10 billion investment aimed at upgrading Scotland’s electricity transmission network. This programme is crucial for connecting significant new renewable energy generation, particularly from offshore wind farms, and transporting it across Great Britain to meet government targets.
Scotland aims to generate 50% of its total energy demand from renewables by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. Delays in such infrastructure could lead to increased “constraint payments” – costs incurred when renewable energy generation has to be curtailed due to insufficient grid capacity.
The Scottish Government aims to determine priority applications within 52 weeks to expedite the transition to net zero. SSEN Transmission maintains that these projects will contribute significantly to the UK economy, supporting thousands of jobs across Scotland.
