Councillor Helen Crawford took the pylon fight to London on Tuesday for a Westminster Hall debate on the ‘Impact of electricity infrastructure on rural communities.’
Secured by John Lamont, MP for Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk, the debate considered the impact of electricity infrastructure on rural communities across Scotland. John paid tribute to Councillor Helen Crawford, who was in the gallery of Westminster Hall, for her dedication to the issue and for representing communities in the Highlands.
In his speech, John asked for a better deal for rural communities when it comes to new energy infrastructure and asked the UK Government to urgently look at how developers engage with local people and consider options like underground cabling to protect the environment.
Speaking after the debate, Helen said: “I was pleased to be able to come to Westminster to brief John on the situation in Highland and to watch this important debate. I am hugely grateful to him for highlighting some of the issues faced by our Highland communities - so many are struggling to cope with the sheer number of major applications.
“Many are concerned that this looks like an unregulated free-for-all for giant wind turbines, pylons, pumped hydro and battery storage units in the Highlands. It’s why more and more communities are calling for a pause to ensure that a full holistic national energy policy is put in place first. If we don’t do that proper planning, we could face an unjust and unnecessary industrialisation of our landscapes and rural communities. Beefed up offers of community benefit and leftover housing won’t suffice.”
The Minister, Michael Shanks MP, spoke at the debate, addressed some of the concerns, specifically that the National Energy System Operator (NESO) is pushing ahead with the much-needed Strategic Spatial Energy Plan (SSEP) which will map out where, what type, and when energy infrastructure will be needed across Great Britain, for the period 2030-2050 on a zonal basis.
Helen added: “While the spatial plan is vital, it's not mapping and planning for energy infrastructure from now to 2030, which leaves a major gap in oversight. I’m calling on the Scottish and UK Governments to come together now to consider a full and holistic energy plan for existing projects that makes sense and ensures we protect our beautiful rural areas. And to pause whilst that essential homework is done.”