Councillors oppose hydro project on Loch Ness

Councillors were told of concerns the "special qualities" of Loch Ness could be put at risk

Councillors have objected to plans for a new hydro scheme that would draw water from Loch Ness to generate electricity.

Statera Energy's pumped storage hydro project would involve constructing a power station and tunnels at Loch Kemp near Whitebridge, about 10 miles (16km) north of Fort Augustus.

The Scottish government, which has a say on whether it eventually goes ahead or not, has consulted Highland Council on the proposals.

The local authority's south planning applications voted 8-2 in favour of a motion opposing the project due to a number of concerns, including impacts on wildlife and tourism.

Highland Council officials had recommended councillors raised no objection.

Statera Energy said it was disappointed by the decision, but looked forward to Scottish ministers determining its application.

Aird and Loch Ness councillor Chris Ballance, who put forward the motion, said ancient woodlands along the loch's shores could be adversely affected by changes in water level.

He said wildlife, such as otters, and the "special qualities" of Loch Ness could be put at risk.

Mr Ballance also argued that a tourism impact assessment had not been carried out, and his motion also raised concerns about construction traffic on local roads.

Badenoch and Strathspey councillor Bill Lobban tabled an amendment supporting the officials' recommendation. The amendment was defeated in the vote.

Ness District Salmon Fishery Board, which opposes new pumped storage hydro on Loch Ness, welcomed the committee's decision.

Director Brian Shaw said: "This was absolutely the right decision.

"The councillors rejected out of hand the planning officer's conclusion that this was the 'right development in the right place'."

Statera said it had engaged directly with all statutory consultees and resolved the issues they had raised.

Development director Andrew Troup said: "We are committed to our pledge to Highland Council to ensure the project delivers tangible local benefits, including our £15 million investment in housing and roads.

"This is alongside the creation of long-term jobs, a boost to the local economy, and a wide-ranging compensation package agreed with NatureScot for Ness Woods."

What is pumped storage hydro?

Pumped storage hydro involves two bodies of water at different heights.

The water flows from one to the other through tunnels, passing through a power station to generate electricity.

When there is low demand for electricity from consumers and/or when surplus power is available from wind farms, electricity is used to pump water from the lower level to fill a reservoir further up the hill.

The water can then be released from the upper reservoir, flowing down the tunnels to drive turbines which generate hydro-electricity. This happens at times of high demand, or when there is not enough wind to power wind farms.

Loch Kemp Storage Ltd, which is owned by Statera Energy, has proposed damming Loch Kemp, the upper reservoir of its scheme, to raise water levels.

It also plans to construct an underground waterway systems and tunnels, and powerhouse on the shores of Loch Ness.

The south planning applications committee granted consent for a separate electricity-related project.

It approved plans SSEN Transmission's plans to replace three 1960s-built substations at Deanie and Culligran in Glen Strathfarrar, and at Kilmorack.