Issue - meetings

Report by Head of Development and Economic Growth

The Senior Planning Officer spoke to the terms of the report.  This Section 37 proposal was originally presented to Members on 28 September 2022 with an Officer recommendation that no objection be lodged.  The Committee determined, on behalf of the Council, as Planning Authority, to object to this proposal and the Energy Consents Unit were notified of this decision accordingly.

Since Members determined to object, Officers consider that there has been a substantial material change in circumstances which merits the matter being brought back to Members.  National Planning Framework 4 (NPF 4) has become part of the statutory planning framework with it being formally adopted on 13 February 2023.

Officers consider that following the adoption of NPF 4 more weight should be given to the policies within it which support the delivery of nationally important energy transmission and grid infrastructure to assist in the transition to net zero and address the climate emergency.  NPF 4 Policies 1 and 11 provide support for the current proposals as Nationally Important Development.  This, in the opinion of Officers, strengthened the overall policy framework in support for the proposals since Members previously determined to object to the development.

Members were invited to re-consider their decision to object to the proposals in light of the enhanced status of NPF 4 and instruct Officers accordingly on this matter.

Decision

The Committee, having considered NPF 4 Policies including Policies 1, 4, 7 and 11 in relation to the proposed 275 kv Overhead Line from Creag Dhubh to Dalmally, agreed to instruct Officers to maintain the current objection.

(Reference: Report by Head of Development and Economic Growth dated 7 March 2023, submitted)