Electrical substation at Holm Hill Substation 2.75 Km To The North-west Of Carsphairn And 12.5Km South-East Of Dalmellington

“At the Sealing End Compound, the equipment would reach heights of between 3m and 4.5m, with connector lines linking up to the adjacent pylon tower. The Sealing End Compound would be located 85m to the south-east of the proposed substation platform. Underground cables would link the Sealing End Compound and the DE tower to the substation.”

“Construction is anticipated to last some 12-18 months. Temporary construction elements are indicated as: • Contractors’ compounds to be located between the proposed A713 junction and the proposed substation platform, on the eastern side of the proposed access road; • Drainage infrastructure for the temporary contractors’ compound, including a temporary connection to the proposed attenuation basin; • Groundworks including temporary drainage measures and earthworks…”

“Site description: The site is some 3.5km north-west of Carsphairn in the upper reaches of the Glenkens, within a rural landscape characterised by open moorland, rough grazing and areas of plantation forestry, within the Galloway Hills Regional Scenic Area. It is on gently sloping ground adjacent and above the A713 at some 220m-240m above…”

“Other notable characteristics of the site and its wider setting include: • Within the Galloway and Southern Ayrshire Biosphere Reserve; • Within the Galloway Dark Skies Park transition zone; • A713 road is adjacent and part of the Galloway Tourist Route; • Soils at the site are identified as ‘Class 5’ – carbon rich and deep peat; • Merrick Kells Special Area of Conservation and Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) lies some 6km to the south-west; • Loch Doon SSSI is…”

“PUBLIC PUBLIC 25/2174/S37: Consultation by Scottish Government, regarding an application made under Section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989 for proposed 17.5km 132kv trident wood pole Overhead Line from Lorg Wind Farm, Carsphairn, to the Proposed Holm Hill Substation, Carsphairn (ECU000001789). No objections raised, 18 March 2026.”

“24/2089/SCR: Screening opinion request under the Town and Country Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) (Scotland) Regulations 2017 for construction and operation of a 132 kilovolt (kv) substation and access road at land approximately 2.5 km to the north-west of Carsphairn. EIA not required, 6 November 2024.”

“Conclusion 4.66 The proposed development supports the objective of tackling climate change by contributing to carbon reduction targets. As strategic transmission infrastructure associated with renewable energy developments it contributes to national development. The UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan notes how this can support employment and wider opportunities for community benefit, while helping to reduce emissions and improve security of supply.”

“Taking account of the mitigation embedded in the design and layout, and secondary mitigation including matters that can be addressed through planning conditions, it is considered that the residual effects (principally landscape effects, which are localised and would reduce over time through screen planting) are, on balance, within acceptable parameters.”

“Council Archaeologist – No objections subject to conditions…”

“Council Roads Officer - No objections subject to conditions…”

“APPROVED application 25/2178/FUL subject to conditions detailed in the report.”