Disclosure strengthens case for power-line review
The reporters concluded that permission should be refused for the line at Auchilhanzie House, near Crieff, and at Glenside Farm, near Denny in Stirling, in view of the "major adverse impact".
This disclosure can only add to growing doubt as to the government's competence in the way it has handled these conclusions and will strengthen the case for a judicial review.
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Hide AdMr Mather argues that he had no power to oblige the power companies to put the line underground. But this now looks like playing with words. He could have accepted the inquiry conclusion that permission be withheld on these two sections. This would have obliged the companies to submit alternative proposals. Now all they are asked to do is to "mitigate" the visual impact and to do so promptly, given that Mr Mather said yesterday he hoped work would start in the summer.
It hardly seems likely that the power companies will come up with any big changes on such a timescale, while Mr Mather has given away his veto. Is he not in charge?