This critical milestone marks a significant step forward in strengthening the electricity grid in Dumfries and Galloway, improving network resilience, and enabling the connection of new renewable energy projects. 

Working closely with SP Energy Networks (SPEN), LUC’s Planning, Ecology, Landscape Planning, and GIS & Visualisation teams played a key role in supporting the project since 2015, with their findings reported in a single Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Report. 

The project comprises 48km of new 132kV overhead lines and the removal of 44km of existing infrastructure, requiring detailed planning and assessment. Throughout the consenting process, LUC delivered a range of services to SP Energy Networks, including: 

• Routeing 
• Stakeholder Consultation (including multiple rounds of public engagement) 
• EIA Scoping, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and EIA Report production 
• Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) 
• Ecology 
• GIS and Visualisations 
• Post-application support 
• Expert Witness services at the Public Local Inquiry (PLI)

The work will see the removal of over 90km of existing overhead lines, including through internationally important designated areas close to nationally designated landscapes, and the construction of 45km of new infrastructure. Once complete, the project will support the delivery of over 900MW of renewable energy and secure supplies for more than 70,000 customers. 

Now that formal consent has been granted, SPEN will begin work to satisfy the conditions attached to the consents, with construction expected to commence in early 2026. 

This project highlights LUC’s commitment to shaping a more sustainable future by balancing the need for critical infrastructure with environmental considerations. Achieving consent for a project of this scale is a testament to the expertise and dedication of our team, and we are proud to have played a role in this nationally significant development.