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CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY 
Planning Paper 1 7 May 2004 

CAIRNGORMS NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY 

Title: REPORT ON CALLED-IN PLANNING 
APPLICATION 

Prepared by: NEIL STEWART, PLANNING OFFICER 
(DEVELOPMENT CONTROL) 

DEVELOPMENT PROPOSED: A SECOND POWER SUPPLY TO THE 
TELECOMMUNICATIONS MAST AT 
TOM A BURICH, ROUGHPARK, 
STRATHDON 

REFERENCE: 04/141/CP 

DATE CALLED-IN: 26 March 2004 

Fig. 1 - Location Plan (not available in text format)

SITE DESCRIPTION AND PROPOSAL 

1. This proposal is a notification to the planning authority for a low capacity 
power supply to a telecommunications mast at the top of Tom A Burich 
(561m) in Strathdon. The overhead 11kV power supply already exists to the 
mast. The current proposal is for the provision of a second power supply for 
an additional user of the telecom mast, with the undergrounding of a second 
supply line to the mast from the end of the existing overhead 11kV line to the 
mast. As there is now to be 2 users supplied off this 11kV line, it is necessary 
for Scottish and Southern Energy to apply for a retrospective overhead line 
consent for the existing 11kV overhead line. This is a Section 37 consent 
under the Electricity Act of 1989, which is determined by the Scottish 
Executive Education and Industry Department (SEEID). Before submitting 
their application to SEEID, Scottish and Southern Energy are required to 
consult the local planning authority who can make comments on the proposals. 

DEVELOPMENT PLAN CONTEXT: 

2. Lower capacity power lines and under-grounded pipes and cables do not 
normally figure within Development Plan policies (unlike major 
infrastructure network routes e.g. major gas pipelines, national grid power 
lines, and some water and sewerage distribution systems). Where a planning 
authority is asked or given the opportunity to comment on such developments 
(permitted developments under the General Permitted Development Order), 
relevant considerations include the visual impact for over-ground systems, and 
the ground disturbance for access/construction works and for the undergrounding 
work itself. 

3. The location of this development is not a sensitive one in terms of ground 
conditions (there are no special designations here). The power line traverses 
partly a woodland area and partly open moorland. 

4. Within the Aberdeenshire Local Plan the site is within an Area of Landscape 
Significance, where issues of siting and design are of principal importance. 

CONSULTATIONS 

5. No consultations carried out. 

REPRESENTATIONS 

6. No representations received. 

APPRAISAL 

7. Some of the poles for the existing overhead line serving the mast on Tom A 
Burich are just visible on the skyline from the A944. The line has been in 
existence for some years now, and as it was originally for a single user, there 
was not the need to obtain any consent. 

8. The existing telecoms mast is located within a group of conifer trees on the 
brow of the hill, as viewed from the public road to the north (A944). The result 
of having a second user for the mast is that a new underground cable will be 
installed from the last pole of the overhead line, to the mast. There will be no 
visible change from the current situation. Other than undergrounding the 
existing line at the brow of the hill, there is not any improvement to the 
proposal that can be recommended. On this occasion and in this location it is 
not considered that undergrounding the complete 1250 length of power line is 
essential. 

IMPLICATIONS FOR THE AIMS OF THE NATIONAL PARK 

Conserve and Enhance the Natural and Cultural Heritage of the Area 

9. The retention of this overhead line to the existing Telecommunications Mast 
on the hilltop does not detract from or enhance the local natural or cultural 
heritage. Undergrounding of the whole line would be a visual improvement to 
this area, but the works of undergrounding would be disruptive to existing 
surface vegetation and root systems. 

Promote Sustainable Use of Natural Resources 

10. No effect. 

Promote Understanding and Enjoyment of the Area 

11. This proposal does not have any direct implication for this aim. 
Promote Sustainable Economic and Social Development of the Area 

12. The existing Telecommunications Mast contributes to the local economic and 
social life of this remoter area of countryside, and the provision of a second 
power supply, and additional user to the mast, adds to the facility. 

RECOMMENDATION 

13. That Members of the Committee note the proposal and agree to raise no 
objections. 

Neil Stewart 
29 April 2004 

planning@cairngorms.co.uk