The project involved removing two existing towers from the 400kV Scotland to England interconnector (ZV route) and replacing them with three new towers to keep the line connected. This diversion makes space for the proposed Redshaw Substation, which will allow for a new overhead line connection from Glenmuckloch Substation and other potential future connections.

As lead environmental consultant, LUC prepared and submitted the EIA Screening request to the Scottish Ministers in March 2024. The Screening Opinion, issued in June 2024, confirmed that EIA was not required. LUC then led the Environmental Appraisal to support SPEN’s Section 37 application, covering landscape and visual impact, ecology, ornithology, hydrology, hydrogeology and peat and cultural heritage.

The application was also supported by a Transport Statement and Construction Traffic Management Plan. LUC worked closely with specialist partners CFA Archaeology, Hoare Lea, Kaya Consulting and Mott MacDonald to deliver a comprehensive submission.

Consent for the project (Ref: ECU00005071) ensures that the diversion can be completed in advance of construction of the Redshaw Substation.

This successful outcome highlights the effective collaboration between LUC’s EIA project management team and environmental specialists across multiple disciplines, providing robust advice to secure consent.