CONTROVERSIAL plans to build an electrical substation on the site of the Battle of Prestonpans have been shelved – in favour of it being located on nearby land where Cockenzie Power Station once stood.
Discussions have been ongoing for a number of years with a view to Inch Cape Offshore Limited (ICOL) creating a substation to serve a windfarm planned for off the Angus coast.
The company wants to bring the energy created onshore at the former Cockenzie Power Station site and plans to feed the energy into the national grid through a substation.
Previously, planning permission was given for the development to take place on a section of the battle site near the former Cockenzie Coal Store, west of the B3671, which angered a number of local groups.
But new proposals are now seeking to relocate the substation and instead build on a section of the site of the former power station, which was demolished in 2015.
The plans were submitted to East Lothian Council earlier this week following two community consultations.
Gary Donaldson, chairman of Cockenzie and Port Seton Community Council, felt the new site was a better choice than the previous location. He said: “I think we would be quite happy with that moving off the battlefield site, which was always a concern of the community.”
He noted the plans left plenty of room around the substation, which could then form part of wider plans to regenerate the former power station site.
East Lothian MSP Iain Gray added: “I am pleased that Inch Cape have listened to local views and moved their proposal to a brownfield part of the Cockenzie site, and much further from both housing and the historic Waggonway.
“The question of what happens to the site remains a big one for the local community.
“This decision is an early indication that the council’s masterplanning approach can allow residents to have a say in that.
“However, the key remains getting the site into public ownership, with East Lothian Council best placed to take that on.
“The ball remains in the court of ScottishPower to do the right thing after many years of service and support from the people of Cockenzie.”
Richard Copeland, Inch Cape project manager, vowed to “ensure that members of the local community are informed at every stage of our proposals”.
He said: “The revised proposal will enable us to develop the necessary energy infrastructure, whilst minimising the impact on the community and heritage. Following feedback we received at recent community consultation events in the area, we are confident the Cockenzie Power Station site offers the best solution for the onshore substation.”
The proposal of application notice (PAN) is the first step towards a new planning application being submitted for planning permission in principle.
In January, ICOL undertook a series of engagement events relating to the original planning permission and attended workshops in relation to the Cockenzie Master Plan process, with the feedback influencing the firm’s decision to move the substation.
Further exhibitions are planned for the new proposals, with dates yet to be confirmed.
Access to the shoreline along the John Muir Way would be maintained and Edinburgh Road would remain open to all users.
The substation previously approved was 46 metres long, 11 metres wide and 11 metres tall.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel