Perth and Kinross councillors have been recommended to approve a controversial substation and its access track when reconsidering both proposals at a special meeting next week.
Following a judicial review brought by Braco and Greenloaning Community Council, councillors will meet today to reconsider the Cambushinnie substation and haul road development applications together rather than separately.
It comes after Scottish Ministers said on August 5 they were happy with Perth and Kinross Council’s (PKC) opinion that an Environmental Impact Assessment was not required for the entire development.
Objections and previous decisions
There were 85 objections, including one from Braco and Greenloaning Community Council, to SSEN Transmission’s proposal to develop a substation at Shindour Feddal Hill Wood, Braco. The proposal is part of the project to upgrade the Beauly to Denny power line, increasing it from 275 kV circuit to 400 kV.
Due to it being classed as a national development, the plans required the consideration of all 40 Perth and Kinross councillors. The substation development was approved by elected members in December 2025.
On March 11, 2026, a separate application for the development of a 1.2km access track to the substation was narrowly approved by PKC’s Planning and Placemaking Committee by the convener using his casting vote. The proposed new track would be just 50m south of Braco and less than two miles from the existing Braco West Substation.
Concerns over vote handling
However, concerns were raised about the handling of the March vote. SNP councillor Mike Williamson, who was watching remotely, later apologised after he “briefly became distracted” during the meeting and took considerably longer than others at the hybrid meeting to both register his presence and to later record his crucial vote on this application, which led to votes being tied.
Afterwards, Bailie Williamson said he did not believe he missed any of the points made in the meeting and “therefore felt able to vote”. He added: “However, after further reflection I realise that even this brief distraction could give rise to the perception that I was not able to make a fully informed decision on the application. I alerted the convener to this as soon as possible after the committee meeting. I’m sorry for the impact this has on the applicant, those making deputations, and other members of the committee.”
Shortly after, SNP convener Ian Massie announced the application would be reconsidered.
Legal challenge and new recommendation
Braco and Greenloaning Community Council launched a judicial review against PKC that its environmental impact assessment screening opinion was inadequate and unlawful and had only considered the substation development. In April 2026, following the community council’s legal challenge, PKC’s head of Legal and Governance Lisa Simpson proposed the entire council reconsider both applications together at a special meeting.
A new EIA screening was issued for the whole development and Scottish Ministers have now agreed with PKC’s opinion that an EIA was not required. Planning officers have recommended both applications be approved when the entire council meets to consider them together on Wednesday, August 19.
During the March meeting, serious concerns were raised about Braco Primary schoolchildren’s safety crossing the B8033 during construction work. Councillors were told it would result in a 413 per cent increase in HGVs travelling between Braco Primary School’s two sites. The development was strongly opposed by all three ward councillors and the community council.
A spokesperson for SSEN Transmission said: “We look forward to Perth and Kinross Council reconsidering both applications for Cambushinnie Substation and the associated haul track.
“Should consent be granted, we remain committed to minimising and mitigating construction impacts on local communities, particularly traffic movements passing the school. The proposed haul track forms an important part of those plans by re-routing all vehicle movements away from the school once built and helping to significantly reduce the number of construction vehicles using local roads throughout the main construction period.
“As a business proudly headquartered in Perth, we are committed to delivering lasting benefits for the communities we serve. Our recent economic report highlights the significant contribution SSEN Transmission stands to make, including plans to spend £840 million with Perth and Kinross-based businesses and support up to 1,500 jobs in the area through our head office and local projects, with Cambushinnie substation a key driver of these economic impacts.
“The Cambushinnie project is a vital part of the investment needed to meet the country’s energy security and clean power targets - the path to lower energy bills - while delivering substantial economic benefits locally and nationally.”
