Proposed Beauly to Denny 400kV Overhead Transmission Line

Chapter 8
Route Selection

Route Selection

8.1

Introduction

8.1.1.1

This chapter describes in detail, the process which has been followed to select the proposed
route of the overhead transmission line. This process is important because the most effective
method of preventing or reducing the environmental effects of an overhead transmission line is
through careful routeing.

8.2

Overview

8.2.1.1

Under Section 9(2) of the Electricity Act, electricity transmission companies have a duty to
develop and maintain an efficient, co-ordinated and economical system of electricity
transmission. Section 38 and schedule 9 of the Electricity Act require the holder of a
transmission licence to preserve amenity and fisheries in Scotland (see Section 2.2.2).

8.2.1.2

As a result, a licence holder is required to consider technical, economic and environmental

issues.

8.3

Approach to Routeing

8.3.1.1

Overhead electricity transmission lines are large linear elements in the landscape. They affect,
to varying degrees, visual and other environmental aspects of the area through which they are
routed.

8.3.1.2

The approach to route selection is based on the premise that the major effect of an overhead
transmission line is visual, as a result of its scale relative to objects such as houses and trees
and that the degree of visual intrusion can be reduced by careful routeing. Reduction in visual
intrusion can be achieved by routeing the line to fit the topography, by using topography and
trees to provide screening and backclothing, and by routeing the line at a distance from
settlements and roads. In addition, a well-routed line takes into account other environmental
and technical considerations and is routed to avoid altogether, if possible, major areas of
highest amenity value, even if the total length is increased in consequence.

8.4

The Route Selection Process

8.4.1.1

SHETL and SPT have developed a general approach to the routeing of high voltage steel
lattice tower transmission lines. This approach is reviewed on a project by project basis. The
route selection process developed for this project is summarised on Figure 8.1 under the
headings of Route Development and Testing Criteria, Route Selection and Documents and
Consultation. The process can be described as including the following main steps:

Route Selection Objective;

Established practice for overhead transmission line routeing;
Consideration of the Application of the Holford Rules;
Preliminary Options, Constraints and Opportunities;
Routeing strategy;
Consultation Strategy;
Routeing considerations;
Strategic Route Options;
Detailed Route Options;
Selection of the Preferred Route;
Selection of the Indicative Proposed Route;
Selection of the Proposed Route.

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8.5

Route Selection Objective

8.5.1.1

The objective is to construct and operate a technically feasible and economically viable 400kV
double circuit steel lattice tower overhead transmission line which connects substations at
Beauly and Denny, via substations at Fort Augustus, Errochty (near Tummel Bridge) and
Braco, and which causes the least disturbance to the environment and the people who live,
work and recreate within it (see Section 3.1.1 and Section 7.3.1)

8.6

Established
Routeing

8.6.1.1

Guidelines for the routeing of new high voltage overhead transmission lines have been
established within the electricity supply industry. These Guidelines are known as the Holford
Rules and have been widely used throughout the UK since the 1960s.

Practice

for

Overhead

Transmission

Line

Holford Rules
8.6.1.2

The Holford Rules were formulated by the late Lord Holford, Professor of Town Planning,
University College London in 1959. The Rules were originally intended for the guidance of
wayleave officers.

8.6.1.3

Lord Holford presented his rules to the Royal Society of Arts in November 1959. The paper
describing this presentation, records Lord Holfords reference to the rules as:
... this rough guide, which can never become a formula because each line has to be
considered in great detail and on its merits.

8.6.2

The National Grid Company Review of the Holford Rules

8.6.2.1

As owner and operator of the Electricity Transmission Network in England and Wales, The
National Grid Company (NGC) reviewed the Holford Rules in 1992 and concluded that the
Rules had stood the test of time. NGC stated that it intended to continue to employ the
Holford Rules as the basis of the companys approach to transmission line routeing and
produced a set of notes of clarification for use in conjunction with the Rules.

8.6.3

The SHETL Review of the Holford Rules

8.6.3.1

SHETL reviewed the Holford Rules in 2003 and concluded that the Holford Rules continued to
stand the test of time and remained widely used by the electricity industry. They have been
supported by Inquiry Reporters and are recognised by the design professions.

8.6.3.2

The review concluded that to apply The Holford Rules as originally formulated and
supplemented by the NGC Notes of Clarification to the current Scottish context, it was only
necessary to make minor modifications to the NGC Notes to reflect these circumstances.

8.6.3.3

On this basis, SHETL concluded that it would continue to employ The Rules and
supplementary notes by NGC, with minor modifications, as the basis of the Companys
approach to overhead transmission line routeing.

8.6.3.4

The SHETL review also recommended that SHETL produce a document setting out their
Approach to the Routeing of High Voltage Steel Lattice Tower Transmission Lines in Scotland
(See Appendix H).

8.7

Consideration of the Application of the Holford Rules

8.7.1.1

Rules 1 and 2 place emphasis on avoiding areas of high amenity value. (See Appendix H).

8.7.1.2

Rules 3, 4 and 5 are concerned with routeing in relation to topography, tree cover and visual
intrusion.
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8.7.1.3

The degree of visual intrusion depends on the scale of the transmission towers in relation to
the topography through which they are routed and also in relation to objects in the landscape,
such as trees and buildings which may obstruct views. Where a line is routed through
topography of a scale greater than that of the tower, then the topography will contain the lines
spread of visibility. For example, if a line is routed in a valley bottom and the surrounding land
is higher than the towers, then the visibility of the line will be contained within the valley
(Figure 8.2). The visibility of the line within the valley may be reduced by the presence of
trees, buildings and other objects that obstruct views.

8.7.1.4

In a flatter landscape, the topography may not contain the spread of visibility. The visibility will
be influenced by a combination of topography with trees, buildings and other objects, which
obstruct views (Figure 8.2).

8.7.1.5

A well routed line will generally follow valleys of sufficient scale, such that the visibility of the
lines is contained within the valleys. In such locations, the line will tend to be seen against a
backcloth of hills rather than on the skyline where it will be more conspicuous (Figure 8.2).

8.7.1.6

In a flat landscape, if the visual intrusion of the transmission towers was the sole concern in
line routeing, then a line would be routed to have as few angle towers as possible. Angle
towers are larger and more conspicuous than line towers, although too few angle towers can
also lead to visual intrusion particularly when viewed down the route of the line, due to very
long straight lines of towers. In general, however, a compromise is usually reached between
the number of angle towers used, the overall visibility of the line and its fit to the topography
(Figure 8.3).

8.7.1.7

The presence of trees can reduce the degree of visual intrusion of an overhead transmission
line by obstructing views of the line and by directing views away from the line. The scale of a
tree in relation to a transmission tower is such that a screening effect only takes place when
the tree is close to the view and at some distance from the tower. In addition, trees are
relatively transient elements in the landscape with a limited life span. Their effectiveness as a
screen depends upon their age and species and, if deciduous, upon the season of the year
(Figure 8.4).

8.7.1.8

The pattern of tree cover within an area may therefore help to screen an overhead
transmission line. However, if the pattern of tree cover is regular, geometric in shape or part
of a planned, designed landscape, line routeing through such an area can cause
fragmentation of the tree pattern when trees are cut to allow for the line. This can result in an
increase in visual intrusion beyond the visual intrusion of the line itself. This effect is less
obvious in a more random, irregular pattern of tree cover when a transmission line can be
more easily absorbed without changing the character of the landscape.

8.8

Preliminary Corridor Options Constraints and Opportunities

8.8.1.1

In 2003, SHETL undertook a Preliminary Options, Constraints and Opportunities Study of

potential overhead transmission line corridors from Beauly to Bonnybridge via existing
substations at Fort Augustus, Errochty and Braco.

8.8.1.2

This study, which had a wide area of search, involved the collection, collation and preliminary
review of environmental data and constraints as part of an initial investigation of potential
corridors.

8.8.1.3

The preliminary constraints review in terms of landscape character and visual context, nature
conservation and biodiversity, cultural heritage, land use and the engineering constraint of
altitude, was accompanied by a broad analysis of the significance of each of these topics in
determining constraints and opportunities for potential corridors.

8.8.1.4

A consultation forum was undertaken with the consultative bodies to validate the
appropriateness of the data, to identify other criteria that would inform the more detailed
stages in the process and to test the basis for prioritising data and values as a means of
defining potential corridors. The consultation identified the importance of considering Tourist
Routes and Long Distance Footpaths as a material consideration in differentiating between
potential corridors.

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8.8.1.5

The study concluded that the extent of natural heritage designations of national importance
and nature conservation designations of national and international importance was such that
these would clearly influence the determination of potential corridors. Further, cultural
heritage, search areas for wildland, regional and local nature conservation and landscape
interests, land use and altitude would be material in differentiating between potential corridors.

8.9

Route Search Area

8.9.1.1

From the Preliminary Corridor Options Study, a route search area between Beauly and Denny
including substations at Fort Augustus, Errochty and Braco was identified by SHETL (Figure
8.5). Denny is a strategic junction in the SPT network on the south of the River Forth.
Consideration given to terminating the new route from Beauly at SPT sites at Bonnybridge,
Kincardine and Longannet has shown that termination of the line at Denny provides the best
alternative and gives the most flexible network for future development. The termination of the
line at Denny also minimises the need for additional new overhead transmission lines to
reinforce the SPT network.

8.9.1.2

The route search area was treated as indicative and was not a constraint to data collection or
to the examination of route options beyond the boundaries.

8.10

Routeing Strategy

8.10.1.1

SHETL and SPTs approach to routeing is to develop and explore a range of potential routes,
in an environmentally led manner, in order to select a preferred route, then to consult widely
on this preference before selecting a proposed route, for which an application for consent will
be made.

8.10.1.2

Given the Route Selection Objective and SHETL and SPTs approach, the Routeing Strategy
was to first develop, and then test a range of potential routes that linked the substations. The
strategy started with a blank canvas, that is, ignoring the presence of the existing 132kV
transmission line.

8.10.1.3

The application of the Routeing Strategy was environmentally led, within the limits of broad
technical constraints designed to ensure that the route selected was feasible. Economic
issues were not directly considered (see Section 8.12.4).

8.10.1.4

Due to the size of the study area, the routeing strategy was to adopt a two stage iterative
process of environmental sieving, starting by considering large strategic scale, national
issues aimed at identifying corridors within the study area where there were no, or few, highlevel constraints to routeing. This was followed by a second more detailed stage, decreasing
the scale and increasing the detail of examination and comparison as the study moved from
strategic route options, to the selection of the preferred and then the proposed route.

8.11

Consultation Strategy

8.11.1.1

From the outset SHETL and SPT committed to a Consultation Strategy, which involved wideranging and inclusive consultation as an essential part of data collection. The provision of
information to interested parties was considered important to the process of the development
and assessment of route options, leading to the selection of the proposed route.

8.11.1.2

The Consultation Strategy has involved SHETL and SPT in individual meetings with
consultative bodies, other amenity bodies as well as with individuals, all with a view to
obtaining a full understanding of the consultees interests interests. Regular Stakeholders
Meetings with the consultative bodies chaired by the Scottish Executive Enterprise and Life
Long Learning Department Energy Consents Unit were held. Public consultation was by way
of the publication of a Consultation Document, public meetings and presentations, the
publication of an Interim Report of Consultations and Selection of the Indicative Proposed
Route (see Appendix G), a second Round of Consultations with interested parties, the
publication of a Final Report on Consultations and Selection of the Proposed Route (see
Appendix G).

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8.11.1.3

A Scoping Report was prepared by SHETL and SPT and accompanied their request under
Regulation 7 of The Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland)
Regulations 2000 to the Scottish Ministers for an Environmental Impact Assessment Scoping
Opinion. The Scottish Ministers undertook a consultation in accordance with these
Regulations.

8.12

Routeing Considerations

8.12.1.1

The main environmental and technical issues which were considered in order to meet the
Route Selection Objective were determined from:

the consideration of potential effects (Figure 8.6);

the approach to routeing;

established routeing practice and the application of the Holford Rules;

the Preliminary Options, Constraints and Opportunities Study;

the Routeing Strategy;

consultation.

8.12.2

Environmental Issues

8.12.2.1

The routeing considerations include topography, soils, hydrology, visual amenity, landscape
character, areas of nature conservation interest, forestry, agriculture and sporting activities,
archaeology and cultural heritage features and areas of tourism and recreation interest.

8.12.2.2

Potentially the most significant and geographically extensive effects are those of the
transmission towers on visual amenity in terms of, houses, roads, footpaths, tourist attractions
and other important public locations, and landscape character. This is because when seen on
the horizon, steel lattice transmission towers are perceptible for up to 10km. Having regard to
the height of the towers it is rarely feasible to consider direct screening.

8.12.2.3

Most other long term impacts are more limited in geographical extent: physical disturbance at
the tower bases, tree felling under and alongside the conductors and maintenance. There are
also the short term impacts of construction, access tracks and working areas.

8.12.3

Technical Issues

8.12.3.1

The basic technical issues were defined by SHETL and SPT. Operational considerations,
which include reliability, have to be taken into account, together with construction and
maintenance concerns.

8.12.3.2

Experience of the difficulties in maintaining lines in exposed areas of the Highlands led SHETL
to define two altitude constraints:

8.12.3.3

The issues arising from construction concerns were:

preferably avoid going over 450m altitude;

do not go over 600m altitude unless completely unavoidable.

avoid crossing large lochs because of the difficulties in stringing the line and the possible
requirement for extra-tall towers;
avoid extensive areas of rock and crag because of the construction access difficulties;
avoid extensive areas of deep peat because of foundation and construction access
difficulties.

Proposed Beauly to Denny 400kV Overhead Transmission Line: Scoping Report July 2004

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8.12.4

Economic Issues

8.12.4.1

The requirement under section 9(2) of the Electricity Act for the system to be economical was
interpreted and applied as meaning that areas of technical difficulty and thus major additional
expense were avoided and that the route was as direct as reasonably possible consistent with
the obligations in terms of Section 38 and Schedule 9 of the Electricity Act (see Section 2.2.2).

8.13

Routeing Data

8.13.1.1

The routeing process began with the gathering of data relevant to the Routeing Considerations
within the Route Search Area. The data was obtained from published sources, consultations
and a thorough review of the environment of the area.

8.13.1.2

This data provided information on topography, drift geology, soils, hydrology, climate and
exposure, landscape character, landscape and nature conservation designations,
development and planning factors, transport and infrastructure, pipeline safeguarding and
consultation zones, land capability for agriculture, tourism and recreation, and archaeology
and cultural heritage (see Appendix G). The data also formed the basis for the consideration
of visual intrusion, providing a detailed understanding of the distribution and movement of
people through the area.

8.14

Strategic Route Options

8.14.1

Strategic Route Development

8.14.1.1

As a first step, all the potential route corridors were identified and mapped, forming a
complicated network. To enable meaningful analysis and comparison, these were then
rationalised and developed into strategic route options, taking account of possible relevant
environmental and technical constraints and following comparatively direct lines. Although
these are referred to as strategic route options it should be understood that at this level they
were broad corridors, not precise routes or lines.

8.14.1.2

In the mountainous part of the study area, both the main technical issue of altitude and
complying with the Holford Rules to reduce the degree of visual intrusion were found to have
the same result, that is, to route the line to fit the topography by following major valleys.

8.14.1.3

In the lower lying areas, the choice of route corridor was less constrained and the main
considerations were avoiding major settlements and designated areas.

8.14.1.4

The first step in routeing was therefore to identify broad strategic route corridors linking from
substation to substation, primarily following the major valleys and avoiding major settlements
and designated areas.

8.14.2

Strategic Route Analysis and Comparison

8.14.2.1

Once the strategic route options were defined, they were tested against the Routeing
Considerations and the Holford Rules, to identify where conflicts existed. This was the first
iteration of environmental sieving.

8.14.2.2

The Holford Rules deal with a range of issues and different levels of detail. The Rules which
deal with strategic issues and large areas of land underpin broad-scale routeing decisions and
Holfords Rule 1 and Supplementary Note A were considered in the first instance.

8.14.2.3

Holford Rule 1 is concerned with major areas. This was taken to mean areas of sufficient
geographical extent to be clearly mapped at the working scale of 1:500,000 at which the plans
were presented. In practice, this meant designated areas of 200 or more hectares in extent.
Areas smaller than this could be avoided by deviation (Holford Rule 2) and were considered at
the detailed routeing stage.

8.14.2.4

Supplementary Note A refers to residential areas: Avoid routeing close to residential areas as
far as possible on the grounds of general amenity. For the purposes of this study, residential
areas were interpreted to mean a settlement with a population of 1,000 or more. This limit is
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the definition of a small town from Planning Advice Note 52: Planning and Small Towns
(1997). The 2001 census results were used to confirm population.
8.14.2.5

The remaining Holford Rules deal either with issues of deviation of the route at a smaller scale
or with line design. These were kept in mind during strategic routeing, but were not applied
fully until detailed routeing, where the focus became more specific and potential routes more
closely defined.

8.14.2.6

Corridors that performed well against strategic routeing criteria were carried forward to
detailed routeing. Where a corridor performed poorly against the criteria, and there was an
alternative that performed better, it was rejected (see Appendix G).

8.14.2.7

The corridors, which were still in consideration at the end of strategic routeing, were used as
the starting point for detailed routeing (Figure 8.7).

8.15

Detailed Route Options

8.15.1

Detailed Route Development

8.15.1.1

The area between each substation in the general line of each of the strategic route corridors
which were still in consideration after the strategic analysis and comparison, were examined in
detail and potential overhead line routes developed.

8.15.1.2

Detailed route selection started with the examination of the topography and the settlement
distribution of the area. Potential line routes were devised that best fit the landscape in terms
of Holford Rules 4 and 5, as well as taking account of the other Holford Rules.

8.15.1.3

As far as possible, and balancing avoidance of potential constraints with limiting the number of
angle towers, all designated areas and sites were avoided and the route was kept at least
100m from any residential building. 100m is approximately twice the height of a standard
tower. In general, it can be taken that a tower closer than this would tend to dominate the view
from a house or garden orientated towards the line - a result that the detailed routeing strategy
aims to avoid.

8.15.1.4

As at strategic routeing, all the potential routes were identified in the first instance, resulting in
a complicated network. This network was then examined and developed into detailed route
options, to enable meaningful comparison (Figure 8.7).

8.15.1.5

In the case of Fort Augustus to Tummel Bridge, no strategic route corridors between the two
substations performed well against the strategic route analysis and comparison, so all the
strategic route options were reconsidered.

8.15.2

Detailed Route Analysis and Comparison

8.15.2.1

The detailed routes were then tested against environmental and technical criteria, the second
iteration of environmental sieving. At this stage all the Holford Rules were considered.

8.15.3

Environmental Issues

8.15.3.1

The analysis of the detailed route options was carried out at a smaller scale and finer grain
than the analysis of the strategic route options.

8.15.3.2

In addition to those discussed under strategic routeing, the national and international
designated areas of less than 200ha in extent were taken into account, as were all published
local, regional and non-statutory designations. It also took note of woodlands mapped by
Scottish Natural Heritage in their two databases of ancient and semi-natural woodlands.

8.15.3.3

The analysis took note of areas designated as of regional importance for their landscape
quality (Regional Scenic Areas and Areas of Great Landscape Value) and it considered
landscape character and the findings of the SNH Landscape Character Assessments.

8.15.3.4

In addition to the small towns covered at the strategic routeing stage, questions of visual
amenity were considered in terms of villages and other small settlements, principal transport
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routes and tourist attractions. The effect a line would have on the character of land classified
by SNH as wild land in response to NPPG 14 was also considered.
8.15.3.5

Cultural heritage issues which were considered included the possible effects on properties on
the Register of Historic Gardens and Designed Landscapes, Scheduled Ancient Monuments
(SAMs) and Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas in proximity to the corridor.

8.15.3.6

A note was taken of the comparative length of the different route options at this stage, not only
for technical and economic reasons, but also because, the longer route, the greater the length
over which potential environmental effects could occur.

8.15.4

Visibility

8.15.4.1

Visibility maps were produced by computer, modelling a notional line of 50m tall towers down
the centre-line of most of the detailed route options. These maps use the Ordnance Survey
50m digital terrain model, which gives a generalised image, and did not allow for the screening
effects of woodland, buildings and other ground cover, so they gave a bare ground or worstcase scenario. In addition, the visibility analysis is not subject to weather conditions such as
rain, mist or haze, background or foreground, which in reality would affect the actual
perceptibility of an overhead transmission line.

8.15.4.2

The maps use the principle of intervisibility: if a viewer at the top of a tower can see a notional
person at a viewpoint, then a viewer at that viewpoint can see the tower (Figure 8.8).

8.15.4.3

These maps were produced to allow an understanding of the area from which a route may be
visible (up to 10km) to assist in the comparison of alternatives. Where adverse visual effects
of a potential route were evident without such mapping, and where choices between two
similar routes could be made without reference to visibility maps, visibility maps were not
produced.

8.15.5

Technical Issues

8.15.5.1

The technical issues taken into account at the strategic route options stage were all
considered again at the detailed route options stage. A note was taken of the comparative
length of the different route options (See Figure 8.7).

8.15.5.2

The extent of construction in remote and difficult to access areas was taken into account at
this stage, primarily because of the visual and environmental effects, although they also have
technical and economic consequences. Temporary construction access roads will be required
to most angle and section towers to allow the stringing of the conductors. They will also be
required to provide access to many tower locations, although in remote or sensitive locations
line tower assemblies may be flown into place by helicopter. In remote areas, areas of steep
ground, and areas of wet ground, these construction accesses could have a greater potential
effect on nature conservation interests than the overhead line.

8.15.6

Effects on Existing Transmission System

8.15.6.1

One of the effects of a proposed new transmission line is the potential to dismantle sections of
the existing transmission system where the link they provide in the network is replaced. Any
opportunities for dismantling and any other secondary effects on the transmission system
were considered alongside the other factors relating to each of the potential routes.

8.15.7

Comparison

8.15.7.1

Detailed routes that performed poorly against the environmental and technical issues, and
where there was no reasonable possibility of deviation to avoid the issues that constrained the
routes, were rejected. A wider analysis and comparison of the detailed route options was then
made. The detailed routes were compared to determine which offered the best performance
(see Appendix G).

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8.15.7.2

The end result of this process was the identification of a Preferred Route: the route which, on
balance, best meets the Route Selection Objective.

8.16

Selection of Preferred Route

8.16.1

Overview

8.16.1.1

Potential strategic route corridors between Beauly and Denny that did not directly link the
substations at Fort Augustus, Errochty and Braco, but which used spurs to provide the
required connections, were investigated. However, none of these proved as environmentally
acceptable, so they were rejected and not carried through to the detailed stage.

8.16.1.2

As a result, the sections between each pair of substations (or their general localities2) were
examined in turn. The preferred route from Beauly to Denny was therefore the linking together
of the preferred route between each pair of substations, that is, between Beauly to Fort
Augustus, Fort Augustus to Errochty, Errochty to Braco and Braco to Denny.

8.16.1.3

Although the Routeing Strategy started with a blank canvas (Figure 8.3), the preferred route
that has resulted generally follows the route of the existing 132kV overhead transmission line
south from Beauly. This demonstrates that, on the whole, the existing line was well routed,
possibly because of the constraints of topography, altitude and access.

8.16.1.4

More importantly, by providing a direct replacement substation to substation, the preferred

route would allow the dismantling of all parts of the existing line. However, it was noted that
the existing 132kV line from Fasnakyle generating station to either Beauly or Fort Augustus
would have to remain, unless a connection is made from Fasnakyle to the new line and a new
132/275kV substation introduced. This new substation and a connection to it was therefore
introduced to the overall project.

8.16.1.5

Following the identification of the preferred routes from substation to substation, the entire
route was reviewed, with environmental and engineering issues considered together. In
particular, this involved consideration of the likely position of angle towers and where these
could be reviewed to reduce their number and thus visual intrusion, together with the issues
concerning substation locations arising from the fieldwork for the line routeing.

8.16.2

Selection of the Preferred Route

8.16.2.1

The review led to a number of small changes and highlighted several areas where further work
was required to refine the route (see Appendix G).

8.16.2.2

The preferred route (Figure 8.9) formed the conclusion of the Consultation Document (see
Appendix G), which was issued for consultation in January 2004. The purpose of the
Consultation Document, which was widely circulated, was to demonstrate the work undertaken
to consider the options for routeing the proposed overhead transmission line, the process by
which the preferred route was selected, and to allow consultees and other interested parties
the opportunity to comment.

8.17

Selection of Indicative Proposed Route

8.17.1

Route Development

8.17.1.1

The public consultation by way of the Consultation Document (Appendix G), public meetings
and presentations, elicited nearly 700 responses. These responses brought in not only public
opinion, but also facts that had a bearing on routeing decisions that had not been identified by
the routeing process.

Various options were considered for each substation (see paragraph 9.2.1.1) which allowed consideration of routes close to, but
not necessarily through the existing substation locations.

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8.17.1.2

Where material matters had been raised by the public, the consultative bodies or other
consultees, or where additional information was gained through the consultation exercise, the
preferred route was reconsidered.

8.17.1.3

Alternative route options were developed with the aim of addressing the matters raised using
the same approach as that used for Detailed Route Development.

8.17.1.4

Where specific routeing suggestions were made by members of the public, consultative bodies
or consultees, that could be developed to form a route option, they were included in the route
options.

8.17.1.5

In some cases, consultation responses suggested reverting to routes ruled out at the strategic
or detailed routeing stage. However, because these had already been ruled out for substantive
reasons, they were not reconsidered.

8.17.1.6

A further refinement to detailed route development was introduced at this stage, following
consideration of the public consultation responses. Where the detailed route development
process brought the route close to the line of the existing Beauly Denny 132kV overhead
transmission line, it was decided that the new route should be aligned closely parallel to the
existing, unless there were strong reasons to deviate from it.

8.17.2

Route Analysis and Comparison

8.17.2.1

The alternative detailed route options were then tested and compared using the same
approach as that used for Detailed Route Analysis and Comparison.

8.17.2.2

All detailed route options have potential effects on the environment. In many cases, the
process of detailed route selection involved balancing very different forms of disturbance in
terms of the Route Selection Objective, against each other. For example, one option may
have more of an effect on one aspect of the environment and another option may have a
different type of effect elsewhere. This is resolved by making a selection based on the key
issues that arise in each case.

8.17.2.3

The consultation responses suggested that there were two areas of detailed route selection
where, on balance, the weight accorded to different effects of the line in the selection of the
Preferred Route did not accord with general public opinion. These were:

Where the selection process included balancing potential effects on non-statutory nature
conservation interests against potential visual effects on peoples homes, the consultation
responses suggested that increased weight should be given to the effect on peoples
homes.
Where the selection process included balancing potential landscape effects and visual
intrusion into an area where human influence is not readily apparent, against similar
intrusion into an area already affected by development, the latter was generally
considered preferable, even where it would be seen by many more people.

8.17.2.4

These two points were taken into account in the selection process for the alternative detailed
route options leading to the selection of the Indicative Proposed Route.

8.17.3

Selection of the Indicative Proposed Route

8.17.3.1

The Interim Report on Consultations and the Selection of Indicative Proposed Route
document describes the consultation process, the analysis of responses and the findings in
terms of the Preferred Route (see Appendix G). The report also describes the Development of
the Indicative Proposed Route, the Route Option Analysis and Comparison and the Selection
of the Indicative Proposed Route (see Appendix G).

8.17.3.2

The selection process led to substantive revisions to the Preferred Route in a number of
areas. However there were five areas where Detailed Route Analysis and Comparison
resulted in alternative detailed route options on which it was not possible to make a selection
without further consideration. These were at the Corrimony Estate above Cannich, the
Corrieyairack Pass, between the Spey Dam (Laggan) and Dalwhinnie, through Glen Garry and
between Glenalmond and Braco (east or west of Crieff) (Figure 8.10).
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Chapter 8
Route Selection

8.17.3.3

A revised route, including these five detailed route options, was included in both The Interim
Report on Consultations and the Selection of Indicative Proposed Route and the Scoping
Report that accompanied the request to the Scottish Ministers for an Environmental Impact
Assessment Scoping Opinion, in order that further consultation could be undertaken. This
revised route and options was referred to as the Indicative Proposed Route in recognition of
the need for further consultation (Appendix G - Figures 1 to 13) (Figure 8.10).

8.18

Selection of the Proposed Route

8.18.1

Consideration of Options

8.18.1.1

As part of the correspondence received following publication of the Indicative Proposed Route
(IPR), a number of alternative routes were suggested and, where appropriate, these were
included in the options taken forward for further consideration.

8.18.1.2

The development of the Proposed Route was undertaken as a combination of:

suggestions received from consultation responses;

the ongoing environmental impact assessment, taking into consideration the Scoping
Opinion provided by the Scottish Ministers and the letters prepared by consultees to whom
the Scoping Report was distributed by the Ministers. (see Section 5.4.4 and Appendix E);

the technical design of the route;

initial discussions with landowners and other stakeholders.

8.18.1.3

Alternative route options were tested to ensure that their potential environmental impacts
would be no greater than those of the original route alignment. This resulted in the
development of a number of modifications to the IPR. In some areas there were clear
alternatives (such as a choice to pass either to the west or to the east of a settlement, or to
follow the existing overhead transmission line or to take a new route, off-line). These options
were assessed and a decision made regarding the choice of option.

8.18.1.4

Correspondence on routeing aspects continued to be received by SHETL and SPT during the
later part of 2004, particularly in respect of proposals in areas where route options continued
to be developed, such as at Glen Shirra and Muthill. These were also taken into account
during the development of the proposed route.

8.18.1.5

The comparative appraisal of route options led to the development of a draft Proposed Route,
in November 2004. This was recommended to SHETL and SPT for adoption as the Proposed
Route, with caveats in three locations: at Loch Neaty, Millness and Glen Shirra. These areas,
together with the section of route at Fanellan, were to be considered further before a decision
on the Proposed Route could be made.

8.18.1.6

The Proposed Route was recommended to SHETL and SPT in February 2005, as the route to
be assessed for the application in terms of section 37 of the Electricity Act. The route was
broadly similar to the Indicative Proposed Route as published in June 2004, though with
differences in some areas.

8.18.2

Route Review

8.18.2.1

With the completion of consultation in April 2005 and the Final Report on Consultations and
Selection of the Proposed Route document (Appendix G) SHETL, SPT and an environmental
consultancy not involved in any of the route assessment work at the route selection stages
undertook a review of the Proposed Route in terms of the approach to the routeing of high
voltage steel lattice tower transmission lines.

8.18.2.2

The review involved an assessment of the route for the proposed overhead line against the
individual requirements of each of the Holford Rules and accompanying Notes over three
stages. The review confirmed that the Proposed Route would affect a range of environmental
aspects, given that the nature of the environment in the wider area is such that there are a
number of natural pinch points that cannot be avoided.

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Proposed Beauly to Denny 400kV Overhead Transmission Line

8.18.2.3

Chapter 8
Route Selection

The review concluded with the confirmation of the Proposed Route with a minor adjustment at
Glenside (Figure 1.1) for which SHETL and SPT will make an application in terms of section
37 of the Electricity Act.

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