Proposal of Application Notice submitted for Skye workforce accommodation village

Image showing the project map with the red line boundary, representing the temporary development area required for the construction of worker accommodation at Ashaig, Broadford, Skye. The PAN boundary highlights the broader development area and does not represent the exact footprint of the accommodation village itself.Image: Project Map of Ashaig Red Line Boundary

  • Balfour Beatty submits PAN setting out temporary area required for construction of worker accommodation for proposed Skye Reinforcement Project

  • Overhead line project critical to ensuring security of supply and meeting national clean energy and energy security ambitions

A Proposal of Application Notice (PAN) outlining the development area for worker accommodation required for the construction of a new overhead power line in Skye has been submitted to The Highland Council.

The PAN, which has been submitted by principal contractor Balfour Beatty, outlines the proposed general development area (or PAN boundary) for the temporary worker accommodation village located at Ashaig, east of Broadford, which will house workers involved in SSEN Transmission’s proposed Skye Reinforcement Project.

The project, which is currently under consideration by Scottish Ministers, is intended to replace the current overhead line from Skye to Fort Augustus which is nearing the end of its operational life. If approved, the project will ensure security of supply in the area as well as support national clean power and energy security ambitions.

The PAN boundary does not represent the footprint of the accommodation village itself, but indicates the full development area and includes all other site requirements.

This includes any site compounds, temporary and permanent drainage, site access and on-site parking, laydown and storage areas for materials and excavated soils, as well as hard and soft landscaping proposals.

The PAN submission comes in advance of Balfour Betty’s submission of the full planning application for the development, which is expected in the coming months.

Balfour Beatty has notified nearby residents of the PAN submission and will hold public consultation events, where teams from Balfour Beatty and SSEN Transmission will be on hand to discuss the proposals, on:

  • Monday, 24 February (Kyleakin Village Hall 5.30-8.30pm)
  • Tuesday, 25 February (Broadford Village Hall 11am-3pm)

Margaret Clark, Senior Project Manager from Balfour Beatty, said: “We are keen to hear from the local community regarding our plans for temporary worker accommodation on Skye, and our consultation events will provide an opportunity for people to find out more about the project. We are committed to being a good neighbour and want to ensure we get the balance right as we develop this important project.”

Simon Robertson, SSEN Transmission’s Lead Project Manager for the Skye Reinforcement Project, added: “The proposed temporary accommodation village, one of two planned on the island, will help our contractor meet their accommodation needs while ensuring they minimise any impact on the local housing supply.

“Essential services located on-site will mitigate any potential burden on local health services and infrastructure, including hotel spaces that may be used by visitors, which we recognise are vital to the island’s economy.

“Alongside Balfour Beatty we will engage with the relevant Community Councils to discuss these developments and seek to address concerns that may arise, especially acknowledging the potential cumulative impact of this second proposed accommodation village near Broadford.

“We are also actively exploring several opportunities to contribute to the delivery of permanent housing to support the delivery of the project, which will then support local housing needs. This is part of our wider housing strategy supporting the delivery of over 1,000 new homes across the north of Scotland.

“The Skye Reinforcement Project is essential to securing security of supply for the area, and comes as part of our £20bn investment to upgrade the transmission network, creating huge economic opportunity for the north of Scotland while supporting national clean power and energy security ambitions.

“With our Section 37 application for the overhead line now submitted, we look forward to its timely determination by the Scottish Government.”