Pre-determination hearing for proposed construction and operation of 400 kV air insulated substation at Fetteresso Forest, Stonehaven

Added at 13:55 on 12 November 2025

A pre-determination hearing will be held on Wednesday 26 November to discuss a planning application for the construction and operation of a 400 kV air insulated substation and associated infrastructure at Fetteresso Forest, Stonehaven.  

The plans—under application APP/2024/1951—include the construction and operation of the 400 kV air insulated substation, formation of associated earthworks, access, drainage, landscaping, security, creation of temporary construction compounds and set-down, equipment and materials storage areas.  

A pre-determination hearing is a formal process allowing those who have already submitted valid representations, as well as the applicant and consultees, to express their views to Councillors before any decision is taken.

These hearings are not public consultation events. Although no decision will be made on the application at the hearing, it will be minuted and all points raised will be placed before Kincardine & Mearns Area Committee to be discussed.  

A report will then go to a meeting of Infrastructure Services Committee detailing local views on the application, where Councillors will be asked to decide on it.  

Please note that only those who have made valid representations on this planning application and have already indicated to the Planning Service, within the specific timescale given, a request to speak, will be able to address Councillors at the pre-determination hearing.  
The pre-determination hearing will take place at 9.30am on Wednesday 26 November 2025 at Viewmount, Arduthie Road, Stonehaven, AB39 2DQ and via MS TEAMS.    

For those who wish to view the session, you can do so in-person at the venue, however, seating will be limited on the day and on a first come first served basis, or by connecting online to the Live Stream, the link for which will be available on the Council’s website under the relevant Pre-Determination Hearing.  

The pre-determination hearing relates to planning application APP/2024/1951 which you can read more about here: 
APP/2024/1951 | Construction and Operation of 400 kV Air Insulated Substation, Formation of Associated Earthworks, Access, Drainage, Landscaping, Security, Creation of Temporary Construction Compounds and Set-Down, Equipment and Materials Storage Areas | Land At Fetteresso Forest Stonehaven AB39 3UX 

If you have any questions or queries, please contact Gemma Morrison on 01467 539371 or email gemma.morrison@aberdeenshire.gov.uk