Corriemoillie Substation Extension SSEN Transmission Update
Garve and District Community Council
Added at 16:04 on 07 November 2025
The information below was sent to an incorrect email address on 22nd October by SSE - Lisa Marchi.
We aplogise on this behalf
"We are writing to provide copies of the Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) and Redline Boundary Plans submitted to The Highland Council in relation to the proposed extension to the existing Corriemoillie Substation (attached).
Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) Transmission is bringing forward this proposal to support existing and consented renewable energy developments in the region. The submission of the PANs to The Highland Council marks the start of the formal 12-week pre-application consultation period.
As part of this process, a public drop-in consultation event will be held as follows:
Garve Hall
Wednesday, 12 November 2025
3:00pm – 7:00pm
This event will provide information on the proposed development and offer an opportunity for members of the public and other interested parties to share feedback. All feedback received will help inform the finalised design ahead of further consultation events planned for early 2026, prior to the submission of a planning application.
To help raise awareness of the consultation, we will also undertake the following activities:
• A targeted mail drop to 218 local properties and businesses
• Distribution of posters to the Community Council for display at local venues and sharing via community channels and social media
• Project website updates at: Corriemoillie Substation Extension – SSEN Transmission
We would be grateful if the Community Council could help share this information."
Document pertaining to this update
Update - Sent to The Highland Council - 4th January 2026
As follows;-
Re: Planning Ref. 25/04809/SCRE – EIA Screening Opinion Request for Extension to Corriemoillie 132kV Substation
Consultee: Garve and District Community Council OBJECTION
Attn. Planning The Highland Council
Garve and District Community Council objects to the EIA Screening Opinion provided for the proposed extension to the Corriemoillie 132kV Substation.
This objection is made in our capacity as a statutory consultee and is based on National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4), the information contained within the Screening Letter dated December 2025, and direct written correspondence received from SSE.
1. Lack of Demonstrable Need and Speculative Development
On 26 November 2025, SSE Community Liaison Manager Lisa Marchi confirmed in writing:
“We would need to extend if one or both of the Wind Farm or BESS materialise. If neither were to progress, we would not progress the extension; however, should another scheme look to connect at 132kV, we would need to extend the substation.”
This statement confirms that the proposed extension:
Has no standalone operational or strategic requirement
Is entirely contingent on the progression of other, currently unconsented developments
Is speculative in nature and dependent on future, undefined proposals
NPF4 requires development to be plan-led, justified, and necessary, not advanced on the basis of hypothetical future schemes. The proposal therefore conflicts with NPF4 Policies 1 and 2, which require infrastructure to be proportionate and evidence-based.
2. Improper Segmentation of Connected Development
The Screening Letter acknowledges that the extension would facilitate:
The proposed Carn Fearna Wind Farm, and
The proposed Corriemoillie BESS facility
Both developments:
Are unconsented
Have been subject to formal objection by Highland Council
Are associated with significant environmental effects, including an EIA requirement for the Carn Fearna grid connection
The substation extension is therefore functionally and operationally integral to these schemes and cannot reasonably be assessed in isolation. Treating this proposal as a discrete development undermines the cumulative assessment required under NPF4 Policy 2 and the EIA Regulations.
3. Misuse of “National Development” Status
The application relies on an expanded red-line boundary of approximately 4 hectares to classify the proposal as a national development, despite:
The actual extension footprint being approximately 0.2 hectares
The remainder of the red-line area comprising temporary compounds, access, forestry clearance and ancillary works
This approach conflicts with the intent of NPF4, which requires national development status to be based on genuine strategic significance, not boundary inflation. The proposal is enabling infrastructure for speculative generation projects, not nationally significant infrastructure in its own right.
4. Carbon-Rich Soils and Peat Disturbance
The Screening Letter confirms that the site is located on carbon-rich soils, including peaty gleyed podzols, and that construction will require excavation, rock breaking and peat handling.
Under NPF4 Policy 5, development on carbon-rich soils must demonstrate clear need and avoidance of disturbance as a first principle. In this case:
Disturbance is assumed rather than avoided
Mitigation is deferred to future plans
No overriding need has been demonstrated
This approach does not comply with NPF4’s mitigation hierarchy.
5. Woodland Loss and Biodiversity Impact
The proposal includes the removal of approximately 0.25 hectares of woodland. While described as non-ancient, NPF4 Policy 3 and Policy 6 recognise that all woodland has ecological value.
Compensatory planting does not address:
Habitat fragmentation
Loss of local biodiversity
The incremental erosion of woodland cover associated with cumulative infrastructure expansion
6. Protected Species and Ornithological Risk
The Screening Letter identifies:
Golden eagle territories within the area
Proximity to Glen Affric to Strathconon SPA
Presence of osprey, peregrine, black grouse and other protected species
Reliance on future surveys and mitigation plans does not meet the precautionary principle required by NPF4 Policy 3, particularly given the cumulative context of other proposed developments in the area.
7. Flood Risk and Climate Resilience
The site is identified as being at high risk of surface water flooding, with a stated annual probability of 10%. Previous drainage realignment is acknowledged, with further engineering proposed.
NPF4 Policy 22 requires development to avoid areas of flood risk wherever possible. Engineering solutions to accommodate development in such locations are not a substitute for avoidance, particularly in the context of climate change.
8. Groundwater and Private Water Supplies
The site lies within a Drinking Water Protected Area and within 1 km of multiple private water supplies. Excavation depths of up to 5 metres are proposed, while groundwater depth is currently unknown.
Deferring assessment of contamination risk to post-screening stages is contrary to the evidence-led approach required by NPF4 and the EIA Regulations.
9. Community Impact and Democratic Process
The proposal offers no direct community benefit and seeks to advance enabling infrastructure ahead of decisions on the developments it would serve. Approving the extension at this stage would risk prejudging ongoing planning determinations and undermining the objections already raised by Highland Council.
This conflicts with NPF4 Policy 4, which emphasises community-centred development and meaningful local consideration.
10. Conclusion
For the reasons set out above, Garve and District Community Council considers that:
The proposal is speculative and lacks demonstrated need
It is improperly segmented from connected major developments
It poses risks to carbon-rich soils, biodiversity, hydrology and flood resilience
It conflicts with multiple policies within NPF4
It should not be screened out of the EIA process
We therefore request that Highland Council determine that the proposed extension to the Corriemoillie 132kV Substation is likely to have significant environmental effects and should be refused as premature and unjustified.
Garve and District Community Council