Orkney Islands Council has granted planning permission for a new substation in Firth.

At a full council meeting on Tuesday, approval was granted for the erection of a substation and associated works at land near Heddle Hill.

The Full Council met to determine the planning application rather than the Planning Committee as planning applications defined as being 'national' (i.e. a development listed in the National Planning Framework 3 and therefore of national significance) must be determined by the Council rather than the Planning Committee.

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The proposal was for the erection and operation of a 220/132kV substation, comprising a platform area, electrical infrastructure and buildings, associated plant, ancillary infrastructure, drainage, landscaping access road and temporary construction compound areas.

The development site lies to the south west of Finstown.

Full details of the application are available on the Council website.

A total of 11 objections have been received from 10 individuals and one from Orkney Heritage Society.

The application was approved on a vote of 10 to 4.

(MH/CM)