We, as directors of the environmental organisations opposing the Beauly to Denny powerline proposal, agree with the comments and conclusions of the senior industry figures in their letter of May 25.
We find it disappointing that important evidence relevant to a proper understanding of any need for the Beauly to Denny powerline was not allowed to be heard. It is of national importance and in the public interest for all proper arguments to be debated.
In addition, we regret the fact that as yet there has been no response to the legal submissions that were lodged against the way that the proposal was developed; or the lack of strategic environmental assessment for the project and that Ofgem had failed to take proper account of the environmental and sustainable development consequences of the proposal before allowing the developer to proceed.
We call for the Scottish Executive to stop proceedings now as the format of the inquiry is unable to deal effectively with these issues. Continuing with the local issues sessions before the strategic issues have been fully addressed would be a massive waste of time and public money.
– Bill Wright, Director, Association for the Protection of Rural Scotland, 483 Lawnmarket, Edinburgh; Nigel Hawkins, Director, John Muir Trust, Station Road, Pitlochry; Mark Adderley, Chief Executive, National Trust for Scotland, 28 Charlotte Square, Edinburgh; Dave Morris, Director, Ramblers’ Association Scotland, Auld Mart Business Park, Milnathort; Alistair Cant, Co-ordinator, Scottish Wild Land Group, 8 Hartington Place, Edinburgh.
The Herald
26 May 2007
URL to article: https://www.wind-watch.org/news/2007/05/25/shortcomings-in-inquiry-mean-powerline-proceedings-should-be-halted-immediately/