POWERLINES AND PYLONS

Members of the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Partnership met recently with representatives from Scottish Power Energy Networks to discuss concerns over the proposed Dumfries and Galloway Strategic Reinforcement project. The larger pylons required to carry the high voltage power lines could have potential impacts on local communities, the regions natural habitats and landscape. Joan Mitchell chair of the Biosphere Partnership Board expressed the Biospheres concerns: “The Biosphere is not against appropriate development and recognises the need for upgrading transmission networks to create a locally smart network that is able to benefit local residents and businesses. However, we need to ensure that the impacts locally are outweighed by the benefits the region receives and the initial proposals put forward do not provide that reassurance at this stage.”