Background to the Public Inquiry

Two multinational power companies are the developers for the proposed power line. The major partner is Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), but the planning application has been submitted in the name of a subsidiary company Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Limited (SHETL). Scottish Power is responsible for the most southerly section of the line from Sheriffmuir to Denny.
SSE published its proposed route on the 25th July 2005 and submitted its official application to Scottish Executive in October 2005. This application took the form of a massive 1600 page Environmental Statement. Objections from the public had to be received by the Scottish Executive by the 12th December 2005.
The number and content of written objections received by the Scottish Executive was extremely important in determining whether a Public Inquiry ensued or not, and the scope of that inquiry. Every letter was counted and analysed. An unprecedented 17,500 letters of objection were received. There were 46 letters of support for the project!
The local councils have an important role in the process. All four directly affected Councils (Highland, Perth & KInross, Stirling and Falkirk) formally objected, as did Clackmannan Council and Cairngorm National Park. Scottish National Heritage (SNH) produced a number of significant concerns to be addressed.
The result of these objections is that a Public Inquiry will now happen.