All of the Strathdearn community and SCD members are invited to attend the SCD EGM on Tuesday 28th May 2024 at 7.30pm. No resolutions will be voted on but the SCD Board is looking for an open discussion and questions on the topics which are covered in the following slides.
Many thanks,
SCD Board.
A core role for Strathdearn Community Council is to ascertain community views and make representations to Scottish Ministers, Highland Council and other public bodies, on the interests of its community.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a process that identifies the potential environmental effects (both positive and negative) of a proposed development and demonstrates how the developer will prevent, reduce, and mitigate adverse effects.
Developers must submit a Scoping Report, requesting a Scoping Opinion which assesses each of the EIA criteria to be further assessed and included in the final EIA report which accompanies the application. Once formally submitted, the full EIA allows consultees to consider if the proposed development is or is not acceptable and if planned mitigation would be appropriate and achievable.
For community views on the scope of the EIA, Strathdearn Community Council needs to gather them. Your views on what should be included in the full EIA are important, but they are only the first part of our consultation process. If you are a Strathdearn resident, please mark your view in the 4 proposals below.
A summary of each EIA is attached.
Please click/tap the submit button above when you have completed the survey. What follows below is detailed information and maps for each proposed windfarm.
Highland Wind Farm
Clune Windfarm
Balnespick Wind Farm
Lynemore Wind Farm
| Name | Highland Wind Farm 24/01107/SCOP – Ampyr and ESB |
| Application | A potential Section 36 application to Scottish Ministers under the Electricity Act 1989 to construct and operate a Wind Farm. The grid connection will be subject to a separate application under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989. |
| Status | EIA Regulations Scoping Report submitted for consultation March 2024 24/01049/PAN (Proposal of Application Notice) was submitted by the developer in March 2024. It is not a planning application but a notice advising of how the developer intends to engage with the community about their proposal. |
| Location | Approximately 4.2 km west of Aviemore on Dalmigavie, Dunachton and Alvie Estates, with the turbines located on open upland peatland and montane habitats in the upper reaches of the River Dulnain and the River Findhorn within the designated Monadhliath Wild Land Area. |
| Description | A 24 turbine (200- 230m to tip) wind farm with associated 30 MW battery energy storage, substation, access tracks, crane hard standings, turbine foundations, borrow pits, temporary construction compounds, wind measurement mast, communications mast, and underground cabling over a 2,940-hectare site. It will be accessed from within the Cairngorms National Park off the A9 at Kincraig and export its power across the Findhorn to the substation at Garbole. Construction will be about 2 years and the operational phase is indicated as about 40 years. At the end of the operational life, the wind farm would be decommissioned or extended or repowered |
| Name | Clune Wind Farm 24/00690/SCOP – RES |
| Application | A potential Section 36 application to Scottish Ministers under the Electricity Act 1989 to construct and operate a Wind Farm. The grid connection will be subject to a separate application under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989. |
| Status | EIA Regulations Scoping Report submitted for consultation |
| Location | The Site is located on Clune Estate on elevated open moorland, located approximately 3km south of Tomatin. The highest point is 750m, at Carn Dubh’Ic an Deoir. The site is divided by four burns that flow north into the River Findhorn: Allt Phris, Clune Burn, Allt Lathach, and Wester Strathnoon Burn. |
| Description | Erection and operation of 27 wind turbines with a maximum blade tip height of 200m, with associated battery energy storage, voltage transformers and related switch gear, substation, access tracks, crane hard standings, turbine foundations, borrow pits, temporary construction compounds, communications mast, and underground cabling and ancillary infrastructure. It will be accessed from the A9 and over the Highland Mainline on the U2856 (Slochd – Tomatin road) with a new priority access junction and export its power across the Findhorn to the substation at Garbole. Construction will be about 2 years and the operational phase is indicated as about 40 years. At the end of the operational life, the wind farm would be decommissioned or extended or repowered |
| Name | Balnespick Wind Farm 23/04199/SCOP Fred. Olsen Renewables |
| Application | A potential Section 36 application to Scottish Ministers under the Electricity Act 1989 to construct and operate a Wind Farm. The grid connection will require a separate application under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989. |
| Status | EIA Regulations Scoping Report submitted for consultation August 2023 |
| Location | The site is located approximately 5 km east of Tomatin and 6 km north-west of Carrbridge. The site is approximately 1,020 ha of upland moorland, currently managed as a sporting estate. There are two hill features, separated by the Allt Loisgte. A previous 26-turbine proposal for Balnespick, by developers Eurus Energy UK Limited, was rejected in 2013. |
| Description | The proposed development is anticipated to comprise approximately 9 wind turbines with a tip height of up to 200 m. The associated infrastructure will include site access, crane hardstanding’s and laydown areas, underground cabling, an on-site substation, battery energy storage system, external transformers, temporary construction compound, potential excavations/borrow workings, and a meteorological mast. It will be accessed from the Dava road using the first park of the Tom nan Clach wind farm access. Grid connection will be across the Upper Findhorn to the Garbole substation. Construction will be about 2 years and the operational phase is indicated as about 40 years. At the end of the operational life, the wind farm would be decommissioned or extended or repowered |
| Name | Lynemore Wind Farm Galileo Empower UK Ltd |
| Application | A potential Section 36 application to Scottish Ministers under the Electricity Act 1989 to construct and operate a Wind Farm. The grid connection will require a separate application under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989. |
| Status | EIA Regulations Scoping Report submitted for consultation |
| Location | On Lynemore Estate on the hills 2 km west of the A9 at Moy, the site is mostly open moorland, managed primarily for field sport. Carn na h-Easgainn (616m) is located within the southern edge of the site boundary. Areas of open deciduous woodland and commercial plantation lie to the north of the Site. The Farr/ Glen Kyllachy Wind Farm complex lies approximately 2km to the southwest of the Site. |
| Description | It is anticipated that the Proposed Development will comprise up to ten wind turbines, with a blade tip height of up to 200 m, Battery Energy Storage, associated infrastructure, and ancillary development. The total installed capacity of the Proposed Development is expected to be over 50 MW. The Proposed Development will also introduce appropriate, site-specific measures to conserve, restore, and enhance biodiversity, in accordance with national and local guidance. Grid connection and possibly access from the A9 Alt na Slannach haul road junction will be to the Garbole substation through the Farr/Glen Kyllachy Wind Farms. Construction will be about 2 years and the operational phase is indicated as about 40 years. At the end of the operational life, the wind farm would be decommissioned or extended or repowered |
| Some possible significant effects and adverse impacts that may not be sufficiently mitigated or don’t outweigh benefits leading to disagreement with the EIA proposals | Industrialisation of a semi -natural moorland area and loss of habitat Cumulative effects and extent of existing wind farm in the area – Farr, Glen Kyllachy, Dumnaglas, Moy, Tom nan Clach and pylon provisions Knocknagael – Garbole 275kV Beauly to Boat of Garten 132kV Insufficient space between current and proposed developments contributing to coalescence. Visual and landscape impact for residents and visitors (plus possible lighting and noise issues) and A9/railway as tourism corridor Disturbance to local wildlife Surface water flow, drainage and water ecology Cultural setting impacts – eg on B listed Dalarossie Church and Burial Ground |
| Some possible significant effects and benefits that probably outweigh negatives leading to agreement with the EIA proposals | Contribution to progressing towards a Net Zero GHG emissions target by 2045 and addressing the climate emergency Reducing dependence on UK energy strategy linked to other nations Prospect of the people in Strathdearn receiving community benefit and/or the option of shared ownership Jobs and employment for local contractors and local economic uplift to landowners and others |
Factors Scottish Ministers are likely to weigh up in their final decisions on the four EIAs.
From: Ryan Davidson | Community Liaison Manager
To: Strathdearn Community Council
Dear Community Councillors,
I am emailing to advise of upcoming public engagement events for our Beauly to Blackhillock to New Deer to Peterhead 400kV overhead line project.
Following our most recent public engagement events regarding refined overhead line routes in February/March 2024, we are preparing to host a further series of face-to-face drop-in events across the project route.
What we’re engaging on
During our upcoming events throughout May and June 2024, we will be sharing our potential alignment for the overhead line between Beauly and Peterhead, with alternative alignment options in some locations and indicative tower positions, presented through maps and visualisations.
We will be seeking feedback on these potential alignments ahead of further engagement later this year on our detailed proposals.
Please see the attached poster for all dates, times and locations, or visit our events page on our project website for full details.
For our proposed new substations required to connect to the new overhead line we are also holding the second of statutory pre-application consultation events at Longside for the new Netherton substation near Peterhead, Cuminestown and New Deer for our new Greens substation near New Deer, Keith, Huntly and Cairnie for the new Coachford substation near Blackhillock and Kiltarlity and Beauly for the new Fanellan substation near Beauly.
Advertising the events
We have issued a mailshot to over 30,000 properties advising of the events, and we’ll also be advertising in the Press & Journal as well as local and regional newspapers, sending out a notification to all stakeholders signed up for updates, advertising on our social media channels and distributing posters locally. We know local community Facebook pages are a great tool for sharing information regarding upcoming local events and therefore would warmly welcome Community Councillors to share copies of our poster (attached) online or locally.
Finding out more
Our public events are a great opportunity to find out more about our proposals by meeting the team in person, viewing our information materials and asking any questions you may have. For those unable to attend the call or the events, all of the information we’ll be sharing at the events is available to download from the ‘Project Documents’ section of the project webpage.
You will also find some additional information regarding our most frequently asked questions available from our ‘Project FAQs’ tab, with additional handouts also available to download from ‘Project Documents’ and available at the in-person events.
As the most local tier of elected representation, we understand that community members often look to their local Community Council for guidance. If you require any further information to assist you in speaking with local communities about these plans and would like me to talk through any of the materials to help the Community Council better understand them ahead of the next round of consultation, please do let me know.
Should you wish to discuss the scope of the consultation event or any of the materials available from the project further in advance of the consultation, please do not hesitate to get in touch with myself.
Regards
Ryan Davidson | Community Liaison Manager
SSEN Transmission
1 Waterloo St, Glasgow, G2 6AY
From: Graham Gibson Communications Manager | North East NMC | Transport Infrastructure
To: Strathdearn Community Council
As part of our contract for managing the north east trunk road network on behalf of Transport Scotland, Amey issue a quarterly newsletter to highlight different areas of work.
Please see attached the North East Trunk Roads Quarterly Newsletter for May 2024.
The newsletter can also be viewed on our website here: https://netrunkroads.scot/latest-news/quarterly-newsletter-may-2024/
Please feel free to share amongst your local communities. If you have any questions, please let me know.
[Police Scotland issue this newsletter as a pdf which is best viewed after downloading to your device. Click the link below to download it]
Introduction:
We are pleased to present the latest edition of our community newsletter, designed to keep you up to date about the activities and initiatives of our local police officers. This newsletter serves as your window into the ongoing work of officers in your area, featuring insights from the City Centre Policing Team and the Community Beats team.
Our goal is to provide you with a closer look at the dedicated efforts of our police officers to ensure the safety and wellbeing of your communities. We understand the importance of keeping our community members informed and appreciate your continued support as we work together to make our streets even safer and more welcoming.
Thank you for being engaged and informed members of our community. Together we can continue to create a better and safer place for all.
For this week only, the Outreach Post Office will be at the Strathdearn on Tuesday instead of Wednesday.
We have organised an online auction with a few prizes up for grabs. Our fun run is in aid of Maggies Highland.
HOW TO BID:
First, visit our online event page on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/share/aHhJrhNscq28Xf8i/?mibextid=9l3rBW
Simply browse in the DISCUSSION TAB & place your bids in the comment section. Winning bids will be contacted at the close of auction. Payment will then be arranged and collected. Bids will be accepted until 12pm on 11th May. Good luck and happy bidding!
For more information on the fun run and how to take part, click here:
https://strathdearn.org/2024/04/03/scd-community-fun-run-10k-5k/
Tuesday 14th May 2024 @ 7.30pm in The Strathdearn
This meeting will also be available on MS Teams.
Meeting ID: 945 830 983 752 9
Passcode: JLBe9m
(NB: Meeting will be recorded to ensure the minutes are true and accurate)
1. Apologies
2. Declarations of interest
3. Minutes of the last meeting (View them here)
4. Matters arising
5. Financial report
6. Law and Order
7. Road Safety
8. Applications to the SCCT
9. Planning Matters
10. Windfarms
11. Update from SCD
12. Correspondence
13. AOCB
Date of next meeting: Tuesday 11th June 2024
78970/31300/16/2872
Railway Neighbour, Tomatin, INVERNESS IV1 3 7YN
Work reference: HGL2 98.1320
Dear Neighbour,
Digital Notification Service sign up.
The railway touches most communities in Scotland, which means we have neighbours who live close to the tracks and other infrastructure. It’s our role to run a safe, reliable and efficient railway, serving customers and communities.
We’re working day and night to keep the railway running. As part of our commitment to Scotland’s Railway we’re carrying out essential track maintenance near to your property.
A schedule of work is attached.
We’ll work during the day when we can, however we’re working close to the railway line which means we must carry out some of the work at night. This keeps our staff safe and minimises disruption to passenger and freight services. We’ll be using specialised equipment including plant and machinery which will generate some noise. We’re sorry for any disturbance this may cause.
Kind Regards
Community Relations Team, Scotland
www.networkrail.co.uk/contactu5 24-hr helpline on 03457 11 41 41
Dear Mr Ewing,
RE: Strathdearn School Transport
I refer to your email dated 21 February 2024 on behalf of your constituent, Barbara MacAskill, Chair, Strathdearn Community Council, regarding transport provision for pupils attending Strathdearn Primary School
Since 2016 improvements to the area have included the provision of a number of paths, particularly those outside Tomatin Distillery and under the viaduct. Although the initial review in 2020 had stated that the walking route was safe, even before these improvements, we were aware of the work that was about to take place and decided not to move forward with the review findings until the route could be assessed again with the new pavements in place. After the Road Safety Team carried out this second assessment, improvements were additionally made to the area near to the food service caravan so that children would have a suitable walkway keeping them separate to vehicles that may be parking or turning at that point.
Assessment of Station Road was completed in line with the Policy. Although the road is unadopted, this does not prevent it being a walking route for children accompanied as necessary by a responsible adult (there is already a footpath marker directing walkers onto Station Road). The report included details regarding the speed limit, distance of route, sightlines, availability of step-offs, number of vehicles using the road and noted that street lighting was not present. This is similar to many walking routes in the Highlands and it was assessed that due to the extremely low number of vehicles using the route, clear visibility of any oncoming vehicle, suitable width of road/step offs and the speed the vehicles were likely to be travelling that Station Road was an acceptable walking route.
The Road Safety Assessment made specific mention of Station Road and the section of the road pertaining to the area included the following bullet points:
Station Road Junction near Distillery to Strathdearn Primary School
• This section of the route is entirely within a rural area.
• The speed limit is 60mph until the village, where it reduces to 30mph, then again to 20mph on Ard Park where the school is located.
• Whilst marked as path (see images below) this is an unadopted road in some section, rough surface again in some sections but its width whilst only single track provides a safe walking route due to the sightlines and extremely low number of vehicles using the route.
• There is no footpath along the route of Station Road.
• On the date of the assessment there were no vehicle movements along the route but it is evident that previously HGV’s had used the route and this may still occur for access to the Rail Yard.
• As the assessment is based upon the child being accompanied along the route by an adult the route is deemed safe.
• At the junction of Station Road onto the C1121 near the viaduct you then have a pavement all along the route towards the school where you cross at a safe crossing point into the school.
The Freedom of Information Request, referred to in your letter, requested information regarding November 2022 and November 2023 only and during that period it was only Strathdearn Primary that was affected. Transport has been removed from other locations outwith that time period. Removing home to school transport from previously entitled pupils is not a speedy process as notice is always given for parents to question or appeal the decision, which can result in further safety assessments with several reports being produced and the case can also be referred to the Education Transport Entitlement Review (ETER) The sub-committee for a final decision where further dispute remains. The route for Strathdearn was considered on 18 September 2023 and members of the sub-committee were shown a video of the route through Station Road before making their decision. With regards to your request that this case is reconsidered, we are not aware that there have been any fundamental changes to the road layout since last year that would prompt a re-evaluation.
Details of the meeting can be found on the link below under Item 15 and on page 28 of the report.
Economy and Infrastructure Committee | The Highland Council
I trust this deals with your enquiry. If you have any further queries please do not hesitate to get in contact.
Yours sincerely
Karen Giles
Senior Transport Officer
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