Fetteresso Substation
Connecting Mid Hill Wind Farm to the National Grid and Serving as Essential Grid Infrastructure for the Region
ASH led the full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), LVIA, and mitigation strategy for Fetteresso Substation, located within Fetteresso Forest in Aberdeenshire. Planning consent was secured for the project in just seven months.
Grid Connection
EIA
LVIA
Challenge
The siting, design and assessment of a new substation with a footprint of over five hectares within a forested landscape, located in Fetteresso Forest in Aberdeenshire.
Strategy
Coordinating the full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process, leading the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA), while overseeing a multidisciplinary team to deliver an environmental analysis for the project.
Results
ASH's coordination and design-led strategy secured full planning consent for the substation in May 2011.
Project Context
Scottish Hydro Electric (SHE) Transmission plc identified a requirement to develop a new substation within Fetteresso Forest, Abderdeenshire to facilitate connection of Mid Hill Wind Farm to the National Grid, and further develop transmission infrastructure capabilities in the region. At approximately five hectares in size, the substation constituted a ‘Major Application’ under the Town and Country Planning (Hierarchy of Development) (Scotland) Regulations 2009.
ASH prepared an Environmental Appraisal to document the potential environmental impacts of the project, and to set out appropriate mitigation measures to control these during the construction stages. ASH also developed landscape mitigation measures to minimise the potential landscape and visual effects of the substation in the wider area.
Our Brief
ASH was appointed as lead consultant to coordinate the environmental appraisal process, and provide specialist input and advice on landscape and visual effects and design advice. Our role covered screening, design mitigation, consultation with key stakeholders, including the attendance at community consultation events, and planning submission – ensuring the project met regulatory requirements to protect the surrounding environment.
Our Approach
We managed a multidisciplinary team of specialists to deliver a robust environmental appraisal, including ecological, hydrological, and archaeological assessments.
Key actions included:
Planning & coordination
Led EIA screening and project coordination
Managed specialist assessments and external teams covering topic areas such as ecology, hydrology and cultural heritage
Liaised closely with Aberdeenshire Council and statutory consultees
Prepared and submitted the full planning application and associated documentation
Community and Stakeholder engagement
Attended public consultation events to inform and engage the local community and nearby residents
Integrated stakeholder feedback into the design and assessment of the project, including appropriate mitigation
Mitigation and compliance
Inputted into the development of a Construction Environmental Management Document
Developed detailed landscape mitigation proposals, including an Outline Proposal Plan, specification, and planting schedules
Conducted regular site monitoring to ensure environmental compliance during construction
The Outcome
Full planning consent was granted for the project in May 2011, just seven months after submission. ASH’s expert coordination, clear stakeholder communication, and design-led mitigation strategy helped achieve a smooth, successful planning outcome. Our continued involvement during the construction and post construction pages ensured mitigation and landscaping measures were fully implemented and maintained.
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