Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (SHE Transmission) is part of the SSE group and owns and maintains the high voltage electricity network that serves the north of Scotland.

In total we maintain about 5,000km of overhead lines and underground cables – easily enough to stretch across the Atlantic from John O’Groats all the way to Boston in the USA.

Our network crosses some of the UK’s most challenging terrain – including circuits that are buried under the seabed, are located over 750m above sea level and up to 250km long.

The landscape and environment that contribute to the challenges we face also give the area a rich resource for renewable energy generation. There is a high demand to connect from new wind, hydro and marine generators which rely on SHE Transmission to provide a physical link between the new sources of power and electricity users.

SHE Transmission is delivering a major programme of investment to ensure that the network is ready to meet the needs of our customers in the future.

Existing infrastructure

Completed

Under construction

Potential development

Advanced planning

1. Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc

Who we are Our responsibilities

As we are the only company that owns an electricity transmission network in the north of Scotland we are closely regulated by the energy regulator Ofgem. We are issued with a licence to operate and we must adhere to the terms of the licence. For this reason we operate on a very separate basis to other SSE businesses.

Our licence stipulates that we must develop and maintain an efficient, co-ordinated and economical system of electricity transmission.

Overview of Transmission projects

What is the difference between Transmission and Distribution?

Electricity Transmission is the transportation of electricity from generating plants to where it is required at centres of demand.

The Electricity Transmission network, or grid, transports electricity at very high voltages through overhead wires, underground cables and subsea cables. The transmission network connects large scale generation, primarily renewables, to central and southern Scotland and the rest of Great Britain.

The Electricity Distribution network is connected into the Transmission network but the voltage is lowered by transformers at electricity substations, and the power is then distributed to homes and businesses through overhead lines or underground cables.

Other SSE Businesses

Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission Plc

(SHE Transmission)

Scottish Hydro Electric Power Distribution Plc

(SHEPD)

Overview of Transmission projects

Existing infrastructureCompleted Under construction Potential developmentAdvanced planning

Aberdeen

Peterhead

Kintore

Moray Firth

Blackhillock

Denny

Kincardine

Arran

HunterstonKintyre

Perth

Dounreay

Orkney

Spittal

Tomatin

Gills Bay

Western Isles

Shetland

Beauly

Mossford

Skye Knocknagael

Lairg

Loch Buidhe(Bonar Bridge)

Mybster

Overview of Transmission projects

Existing infrastructureCompleted Under construction Potential developmentAdvanced planning

Aberdeen

Peterhead

Kintore

Moray Firth

Blackhillock

Denny

Kincardine

Arran

HunterstonKintyre

Perth

Dounreay

Orkney

Spittal

Tomatin

Gills Bay

Western Isles

Shetland

Beauly

Mossford

Skye Knocknagael

Lairg

Loch Buidhe(Bonar Bridge)

Mybster

2. Fort William Substation Reinforcement

Project background

The growth in energy generation in the north of Scotland, including from renewable energy sources, has contributed to the need for strategic reinforcement of the existing transmission network, owned and operated by Scottish Hydro Electric (SHE) Transmission.

The 33 kV network supplied from Fort William Substation currently has 80.4 MW of connected and contracted generation. There is a further 28.2 MW of generation awaiting connection which will exceed the existing capacity of Fort William Substation.

The aim of this project is to reinforce the existing Fort William Substation through replacement of existing equipment. The reinforcement will enable the connection of contracted renewable developments in the area whilst ensuring security of supply.

File

: Q:\W

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Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crowncopyright and database right 2016.

TITLE:

FIGURE No:

FORT WILLIAMSUBSTATION EXTENSION

SITE LOCATION

FIGURE 1

KeySite Location

Existing Substation Site

The substation viewed from the path across the side of Cow Hill

Site extent

Existing

Proposed (including planting areas)

Timeline

Planning process

The substation extension requires planning permission from The Highland Council under the Town & Country Planning Act 1997.

SHE Transmission is undertaking a voluntary assessment of the environmental effects that may occur as a result of the reinforcement works. This will be provided in support of the planning application as an Environmental Appraisal report.

The site is not subject to any specific policies in the Highland-wide Local Development Plan (April 2012) nor is it covered by any environmental designations.

However, it is close to a number of important designations as follows:

• Ben Nevis National Scenic Area

• Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC)

• An area of ancient and semi-natural ancient woodland south of the substation and the River Nevis

• Glenlochy Distillery, and the old and new Nevis Bridges, listed buildings, all within 1 km

• The West Highland Way runs to the south of the substation, following the minor road along Glen Nevis

As the existing site and proposed extension area is less than 2 hectares in size, the project is not classified as a Major Development and does not therefore require a formal Pre-application Consultation Process.

However, as a responsible developer we aim to work positively with local communities and keep people informed about what we are doing. This is particularly important when we are developing a proposal as we want to understand what local people think about our plans.

All comments and feedback received by the deadline date of 29 July will be reviewed and considered by the project team ahead of the submission of the Town and Country planning application.

The substation as viewed from the edge of the Fort William FC grounds

3. Planning Process and Timeline

August 2016Planning application submission

November 2016Planning permission received

April 2017Construction start

October 2018Construction completion

The project comprises of the following key elements:

• The undergrounding of selected overhead lines beside the site

• Creation of a new access to divert construction traffic away from neighbouring properties

• Establishment of a temporary site compound and welfare facilities for the project team

• Implementation of a landscaping plan to reduce visibility of the substation

• Delivery and installation of two new grid transformers and other essential equipment

• The dismantling and removal of the two 45 year old transformers and substation equipment

• Removal of the existing access and replacement with landscaping

• Establishment of a long term hardstand area for storage

Access• New site entrance away from neighbouring houses• Construction period – large access to take new

transformers• Construction compound retained for future use

• We shall also endeavour to maintain the pedestrian access towards Ben Nevis during construction

Landscape• Improved screening

Noise• Quieter transformers on anti-vibration foundations

to minimise additional noise

Drainage• Improved drainage and water quality

Plan showing the new layout and proposed construction access arrangements

4. Project Details

SF FENCE Av Ht=2.6m

SF FENCE Av Ht=2.6m

TOW

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EXISTING SITE ENTRANCE & ACCESSTO BE CLOSED OFF AND LANDSCAPED.

10M LANDSCAPED AREA

LANDSCAPED AREA

EXISTING ACCESS ROAD -TO BE USED FOR TRANSFORMERDELIVERY ONLY.

CONCRETELOADING PAD

CONCRETELOADING PAD

PROPOSED SUBSTATION DESIGN TBC.

TEMPORARY ACCESS GATE FORTRANSFORMER DELIVERY.

0.17

0.42

0.160.12

0.07

0.18

0.19

0.48

0.63

0.61

D.O.B= 0.84

D.O.B= 0.70

D.O.B= 0.56

D.O.B= 0.74

D.O.B= 0.68

D.O.B= 1.00

BLOCKED

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D.O.B

= 0.

95

BLOCKED

SEPTIC TANK

BROKEN

D.O.B= 0.68

STONES

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UTL

UTL

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0.36

0.17

0.36

0.45

0.24

0.67

0.66

0.52

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THIS AREA

THIS AREAUNABLE TO SURVEY

BUILDINGCONTAINER

BUILDING

BUILDING

IL15.64

IL15.05

IL14.98

UTIL

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TREN

CH

UTIL

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TREN

CH

UTILITY TRENCH

KERB

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KERB

KERB

KERB

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KERB

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=28.32

STONES

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ASSUMED

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A

A

WIDER ACCESS REQUIRED FORTRANSFORMER DELIVERY ONLY.

TO FORT WILLIAMEXISTING

BRIDGE

1.8M VERGE

PROPOSEDSUDS POND

DURING CONSTRUCTIONACCESS FOR HILL

RUNNERS REQUIRED

ROUGH GRASS.

SKIPS

CONTRACTOR'S

TANK

CABIN'S

CONTRACTOR'SCABIN'S

SEPTIC

3M TEMPORARY EXTENSIONTO ROAD FOR TRANSFORMERDELIVERY (6M TOTAL WIDTH).

POSITION OF BELLMOUTHMAY BE MOVED TO ALLOW

TURNING CIRCLE PAST BRIDGE

GATESECURITY

GATESECURITY

R1500

0

R15000

SUBSTATION ROADEXTENDED TO 6M WIDE

Notes:-1. Transformer arrangement typical only, to be confirmed once

manufacturers drawings received.2. Delivery route shown indicative only and required to be

analysed once delivery vehicle is confirmed.3. This drawing does not take cognisance of existing timber

poles in the area to be developed.

Proposed substation and access route.SCALE 1:500

0m 75mm50mm25mm 100mm

Legend:- EXISTING BOUNDARY

Water pipe

Drain pipe

New road construction

Existing road to be upgraded

Landscaped area

New boundary fence

New Transformers (all new electricalequipment shown red)

Key Considerations

Design intent

The existing substation is relatively well hidden behind tree and scrub planting for users of the minor road heading to Ben Nevis. However, it is very visible to the immediate neighbours, who have a clear view in through the entrance gates. It is also clearly visible in winter from the west (from the football ground and Carn Dearg Terrace) when the leaves are off the trees. Due to the layout of the electrical circuits in the existing substation, the extension will require the removal of trees screening it from the west. The new layout and landscape proposals are designed to maintain the screening from the road to Ben Nevis and to improve the screening from Achintee Road and from the houses immediately adjacent.

Landscape proposals

• Create a low earth bund and planting to the west of the extended site to screen the site from the west

• Create a low earth bund and planting between the extended site and the road

• Removal of the existing entrance, and new planting to fill the gap between the existing trees

• Proposed planting to be native woodland species, including a proportion of evergreen species to improve winter screening

• Reinstated verge at the existing gate, and a verge in front of the new planting at the extension (leaves room for a footway if The Highland Council ever propose one)

5. Landscape

Caochan Dùbhaig

Cro Chaorach

Lay-by

River Nevis

Newton Parkhouse

TOWER

Construction compound,future storage area

Construction compound,future storage area

Existing trees

SUDS pond(relocated to avoid vegetation removal)

Existing trees

Old entrance stopped up,planting, verge reinstated

Relocatedsite access

Bund and screen planting

Bund and screen planting

Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission aim to be recognised as a responsible developer and good neighbour. The reinforcement of the Fort William Substation may offer an opportunity to reduce the noise currently caused by our equipment.

In order to understand the effect of the proposed equipment on existing noise levels we will undertake a full noise impact assessment. This will include seven days of baseline noise surveys at two representative locations. Recorded noise levels and operational data will be assessed to establish the impact the new equipment will have on the surrounding area.

If required, the introduction of noise mitigation measures will be considered in order to meet limits which will be agreed in conjunction with The Highland Council.

6. Operational Equipment

Typical noise monitoring equipment

Existing transformers (grey) to be removed, busbars (silver) will be retained and connected to the new transformers

Typical cross section showing existing equipment retained (black) and new transformers and connections (red)

7. What happens next and how do I have my say?

Thank you

Thank you for taking the time to find out about our plans for reinforcement of the Fort William grid supply point.

Please take a feedback form. You can complete today, or you can post it back to us at the address provided. Information can also be posted out to you by our Community Liaison Manager upon request.

Comments can be submitted as follows:

At the exhibition today

Complete a Comment Form and give it to a member of the team

By post

Complete a Comments Form and post it to our Liaison Manager (details below)

By email

Complete a Comments Form and email it to our Liaison Manager (details below)

Please provide any comments to us by 29 July 2016.

Get in touch with our Community Liaison Manager:

Kelly Scott

Email: kelly.scott@sse.com

Phone: 07342 026 270

Write: Kelly Scott SHE Transmission Inveralmond House 200 Dunkeld Road Perth, PH1 3AQ

What’s next

The project is in the advanced development stage and we openly welcome comments and feedback. We are very keen to ensure that members of the community understand our proposal as it will be taken forward to a Town and Country Planning application made to the Highland Council.

Once an application for consent has been submitted, there will be an opportunity to make formal representations to the Highland Council before a decision is made.

For further details and updates about the project, please visit: www.ssepd.co.uk/Projects/Highlands/FortWilliamGSP

Do you have any comments on the preferred proposals for the

Fort William Substation Reinforcement project?

Do you have any other feedback for the project team?

Thank you for taking the time to complete this form. If you would like your comments to remain anonymous, please tick this box

Comments

Comments

Any information given on this comments form may be used and published as part of SHE Transmission’s

consultation report. By completing this comments form you consent to SHE Transmission using this information

for these purposes. By providing contact details you consent to SHE Transmission contacting you in relation to this

proposal. Your details will not be used for any other purpose. If you wish your comments to remain anonymous,

please tick the box at the end of this form. Please note that comments made to SHE Transmission are not

representations to the Council as planning authority at this stage. The opportunity for lodging representations

will be when the application is formally submitted to the Council for formal consideration.

Your comments

Thank you for taking the time to attend this information event.

In order to record your views and improve the effectiveness of

our consultation, please complete this short feedback form.

Please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS

Name

Address

Telephone

Email

Do you understand the need for the project?

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Has the presented information been clear and easy to understand?

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Comments

Comments