Planning Committee approves electricity substation near Dunbar

Planning Committee met on Tuesday 5 November and granted consent for an SP Energy Networks electricity substation at Branxton, south of Dunbar. 

The proposal also included temporary construction compounds and an access road. A pre application consultation had been carried out by the applicant, which included two public information events. 

A total of 62 written representations had been received to the application, including 61 objections. Some of the grounds for objection included that the surrounding area is bearing an unfair proportion of renewable energy developments; loss of amenity through noise, dust and vibration from both construction and operation of the development; light pollution; and construction traffic posing a danger to other road users. 

Following a debate, committee members were unanimous in approving the application with additional conditions that the developer liaise with other developers on surrounding sites in a bid to enhance biodiversity interventions and that regular liaison with local residents and the community council take place to minimise any disruption caused by construction traffic on this site and others in the area. 

Members also agreed to write to Scottish Ministers for more consideration to be given to the cumulative effect of renewable energy infrastructure in East Lothian. 

Two applications from Bellway Homes, one for 103 new homes on land to the north of Castlehill, Elphinstone, and the other for a footpath linking this development to Waterloo Place, were continued to a future Planning Committee meeting. The continuation was proposed by Councillor McGinn and seconded by Councillor Hampshire due to local concerns around difficulties in connecting the existing Bellway development at Castlehill to the local sewer network. There were also concerns about localised flooding and the potential location of the proposed connecting footpath. The continuation would be so that council officers could continue liaising with the developer and other agencies around a solution to the sewer connection problems and other issues. 

Committee heard that there was a chance the developer may appeal to the Scottish Government over East Lothian Council’s non-determination of the applications within agreed timescales. Members voted unanimously to delegate the writing of a submission to Scottish Ministers in the event of such an appeal, to the council’s Chief Planning Officer. The motion was proposed by Councillor Hampshire and seconded by Councillor Forrest. 

The relevant application numbers are; Branxton, 23/00616/PM and Elphinstone, 24/00699/P and 23/01333/PM.