Gala North substation plans spark fears over impact on local countryside
Last updated 23 hours ago
It's feared plans for a new electricity substation near Lauder could lead to the further industrialisation of the countryside in the Scottish Borders - if they're approved.
Concerns are also being raised over the impact the Gala North development could have on human health.
SP Energy Networks (SPEN) says it's part of a £12 billion investment programme which is vital in strengthening the UK’s electricity network.
But, as a new public consultation gets underway, environmental campaigners argue it would be better built elsewhere.
Rory Steel is chair of Lauderdale Preservation Group. He told us: "Construction traffic is one thing, but they want to go looking for Cesium-137 after the Chernobyl fallout. They all know it's there.
"We don't want to be digging that stuff up and, if they want to do an assessment on what that impact is for human health, it's curtains for that proposal."
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Developers behind the project say they are listening to local concerns and insist safety is a priority.
SPEN is holding a second public drop-in event in Blainslie Village Hall, between 3pm and 7pm today (Wednesday) regarding the construction of the substation; as well as the ‘diversion’ of the Cockenzie-Eccles overhead line.
However, campaigners claim the consultation does not present the full picture.
According to the Lauderdale Preservation Group, four additional pylon lines, running from Livingston to Lauder and Newcastleton, and from Dalkeith to Galashiels, are not included in the current consultation material.
If all the projects proceed, they argue, six separate pylon lines would converge at the Gala North Substation.
Mr Steel said: "It cannot be called a public consultation if the full picture is concealed."
Campaigners also say the substation could become a connection point for wind farms, solar developments and battery energy storage facilities within a ten-mile radius, leading to what they describe as further industrialisation of the rural landscape.
Projects they believe could eventually connect to the site include Glenburnie, Ditcher Law, Longmuir, Greystone Knowe, Torfichen, Scawd Law, Woodhead Solar Farm and the repowering of the Dun Law Wind Farm.
The proposed substation site lies adjacent to Threepwood Moss, one of south-east Scotland's most important raised bog habitats.
The area has dual environmental protection status as both a European Special Area of Conservation and a UK Site of Special Scientific Interest.
And NatureScot has recognised Threepwood Moss for its rare plant species, including marsh orchids and sphagnum mosses, while the area also supports populations of lapwing, a red-listed bird species of conservation concern.
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SPEN says construction of the substation would take between two and three years if consent is granted.
It answered residents questions at Monday's meeting of Lauder Community Council, and stressed local feedback will help shape any eventual planning application.
Speaking after the meeting, Owen Campbell, Stakeholder and Community Liaison Manager for SP Energy Networks, told Greatest Hits Radio: "It is a very early stage of consultation at the moment so it's important that we engage with communities, we listen to their comments and feedback and we try to allay their concerns as best we possibly can.
"We'll take on board the information that's been shared with us. It's always useful information and it allows us to evolve and develop the application in order that we can take forward and submit the best application possible.
"Safety is very high on our agenda and in conjunction with the local roads authority, which is the council, we will develop a robust traffic management plan.
"It will reflect all the views of local people and it will reflect the existence of the various cycle routes and the footpath network that was mentioned."
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