How to Object to the Proposed Emmock substation Substation: A Step-by-Step Guide
The application is now submitted! We have only 21 days to send our objections and need to act NOW!
If you are concerned about the proposed 22-bay 400/275 kV Air Insulated Substation (Application Reference: 24/00699/FULN), here’s how you can make your voice heard. Every objection matters, and together, we can highlight the impact this project will have on our community and environment.
Below are some points you can address.
Also visit facebook as there are frequent updates from STIG, Save our mearns, APAG and other groups regarding objections to this monstrosity.
1. Environmental Impact
- Protect Wildlife: Highlight the impact on protected species such as bats, badgers, and other local wildlife. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is inadequate and does not reflect their true presence.
2. Loss of Agricultural Land
- Preserve Local Farming: The proposed site is currently a working organic farm with productive arable land. This development would destroy valuable agricultural resources.
3. Noise Pollution
- Unacceptable Disturbance: Construction noise is predicted to reach 52dB, significantly higher than the current background noise of 32dB. This disruption will last for over a year and will negatively affect the quality of life for residents.
4. Flood Risk
- Drainage Concerns: Large-scale construction can alter natural drainage patterns and increase the risk of flooding, particularly in surrounding areas.
5. Visual Impact
- Misleading Models: The EIA claims there is no visual impact, but this is based on unrealistic viewpoints. Emphasize how the substation will disrupt the rural landscape.
6. Cumulative Impact and Scope for Further Industrialisation
- Too Much Industrialisation: There are already two substations nearby, and the consented 100MW BESS further adds to the burden. The proposed site’s size suggests potential for additional industrial developments, further transforming this semi-rural area. The inclusion of developments like Fithie Energy Park and Myreton BESS in the EIA indicates they could connect to the new substation, accelerating this industrialisation.
7. Lack of Consideration for Alternative Sites
- Unexplored Options: The planning application fails to adequately consider alternative sites or provide justifications for selecting this specific location, raising concerns about poor site selection and unnecessary environmental harm.
8. Questionable EIA
- Demand Transparency: The EIA dismisses serious concerns, lacks thorough analysis, and includes vague mitigation measures. Observation times for protected species were too short, and some species were not recorded, leading to an inaccurate and misleading conclusion about ecological impact.
- Demand a New EIA or Review: Given these serious deficiencies, insist on a new EIA or, at the very least, an independent review of the existing EIA by an impartial third party. This is essential to ensure that the assessment is unbiased, transparent, and reflective of the actual impacts of this development.
9. Submit Your Objection
- Where to Submit: You can submit a comment (limited to 2000 characters) on the Angus Planning Portal under Reference 24/00699/FULN. Alternatively, send a longer objection by email to planning@angus.gov.uk.
- Importantly don;t forget the following:
- [Your Name]
- [Your Address]
- [Date]
- Planning Department
- [Local Authority Name]
- Re: Planning Application Reference 24/00699/FULN – Objection to Proposed Substation
By raising these points, you can help ensure our community’s voice is heard. Together, we can protect the environment, local livelihoods, and the character of our area. Act now—your objection matters!
