Disclosure strengthens case for power-line review

TWO startling facts emerged yesterday over the decision to approve the controversial Beauly-Denny power line. The first is that the planning inquiry reporters had recommended that permission be turned down for two sections. The second is that the minister, Jim mather, chose not to reveal he had gone against the reporters' recommendations when he announced approval for the line to the Scottish Parliament.

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.

Mr 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?