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Inquiry to start into pylon plans Inquiry to start into pylon plans
(about 7 hours later)
A public inquiry into plans to upgrade a power line between the Highlands and Central Scotland is to begin in Perth. A public inquiry is beginning into plans to build a line of 600 giant electricity pylons between the Highlands and Cental Scotland.
Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE) wants to build 600 pylons on a 137-mile route between Beauly, near Inverness, and Denny, near Falkirk. The project would take power from wind farms in the Highlands and islands to the national grid, 140 miles south.
The electricity industry argues that the proposals are vital to the future of green energy. Opponents said the line, from Beauly near Inverness to Denny near Falkirk, should have been put underground.
But the proposals have sparked a large number of objections from individuals, environmentalists and councils. But the electricity company, Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), said that would have been too expensive.
The public inquiry, being held in Perth, follows years of controversy over the proposals.
SSE wants to replace the existing pylons along the route with new ones which would range from 42m to 65m in height.SSE wants to replace the existing pylons along the route with new ones which would range from 42m to 65m in height.
Objections lodged The pylons will stretch over a 140-mile route
The company and industry body Scottish Renewables believe that the upgrade is essential to exploit the huge wind and wave potential of the Highlands and Islands. The company along with industry body Scottish Renewables believe that the upgrade is essential to exploit the huge wind and wave potential of the Highlands and Islands.
Highland Council said it supported the principle but was opposing certain sections of the line due to concerns about the impact on the landscape.Highland Council said it supported the principle but was opposing certain sections of the line due to concerns about the impact on the landscape.
Objections have also been lodged by Perth and Kinross, Stirling and Falkirk councils, the Cairngorms National Park and more than 17,000 individuals and groups.Objections have also been lodged by Perth and Kinross, Stirling and Falkirk councils, the Cairngorms National Park and more than 17,000 individuals and groups.
The inquiry, which gets under way on Tuesday, will hear arguments for putting the line underground or under sea.The inquiry, which gets under way on Tuesday, will hear arguments for putting the line underground or under sea.
However, that option has already been ruled out by SSE. However, these options has already been ruled out by SSE.