Another win for Angus - Tealing / Balkemback Substation Proposal – REJECTED

This is a major and welcome decision.

Once again, Angus Councillors have listened, debated properly, and stood up for the people, landscape, and communities of Angus by refusing this element of the TKUP 400 kV project.

Importantly, this is now the second time in just over a month that Angus Councillors have opposed major SSEN Transmission infrastructure proposals, having carefully considered the scale of development and its impact on the area. That consistency matters.

During deliberations, the proposed Tealing substation was described as an “industrial carbuncle” a clear acknowledgement that its size and form were entirely out of keeping with its rural setting.

The strength of public engagement was unprecedented and this outcome reflects the power of informed, respectful, and determined community involvement.

A huge thank you goes to everyone who took the time to submit representations. These were thoughtful, professional, and compelling, and they clearly demonstrated the real human impact this proposal would have had on local lives, businesses, and the wider area.

Councillors also made clear that key information from SSEN was lacking, leaving too many unanswered questions. In the face of uncertainty and doubt, the council chose caution, common sense, and the public interest.

This decision shows that community voices matter, that robust scrutiny works, and that large infrastructure proposals must be right.