SSEN Transmission recognised for excellence in planning

SSEN Transmission has been shortlisted for two awards at the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2020: Excellence in Planning for the Natural Environment and the prestigious In-House Planning Team of the Year.

The RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence are the most established and respected awards in the UK planning industry. Running for over 40 years, they celebrate exceptional examples of planning and the contribution planners make to society.

The Excellence in Planning for the Natural Environment shortlist recognises SSEN Transmission’s ground-breaking work on its £1bn Caithness Moray project, which has seen substantial biodiversity improvements delivered at a number of substation sites across Caithness and Moray. This includes its award winning work to protect and enhance the local environment to support the Great Yellow Bumblebee and help combat the 90% loss of the species in the past 50 years. As a result of the success of this work, SSEN Transmission has made ambitious biodiversity net gain commitments for future projects as part of its future Business Plan, A Network for Net Zero.

The In-House Planning Team of the Year shortlist recognises the work of SSEN Transmission’s in house Planning and Environmental team in supporting the development of a network for net zero in the north of Scotland, including efforts to provide the first transmission connection to Orkney and help unlock the islands vast renewables potential. The continued success of the team in securing planning consents, often in challenging and sensitive natural environments, has played a key role in supporting SSEN Transmission’s proud track record for delivering its major projects on time and on budget.

Commenting on the awards shortlist, Richard Baldwin, Head of the Environment, said:

“We are delighted to be shortlisted for this year’s prestigious Royal Town Planning Institute Awards.

“The north of Scotland is home to some of the most precious landscapes and biodiversity in the UK and as a responsible developer, we recognise we have a duty to do all we can to protect and enhance the local environment in which we operate.

“The shortlisting for both awards is testament to the responsible and sustainable approach we take to the development of building a network for net zero, which we are committed to build upon with even more ambitious sustainability targets moving forward.”

RTPI President Sue Manns FRTPI said:

“Many congratulations to all the finalists at this year’s RTPI Awards for Planning Excellence, representing the very best of our profession from not only all the RTPI’s regions and nations but also from countries around the globe.

“These outstanding projects, teams and individuals show how planning can have a positive effect on our communities and the environment and how planners can use their expertise and enthusiasm to create inclusive, happy and healthy places and spaces for ourselves and for future generations.

“I wish them all the best of the luck at the ceremony on 30 April.”

The RTPI champions the power of planning in creating prosperous places and vibrant communities. It is the only body in the UK that confers Chartered status to planners, the highest professional qualification sought after by employers. It supports its members – over 25,000 worldwide - throughout their careers.