The Kincardine and Mearns Area Committee is scheduled to meet on Tuesday, 27 October 2026. The primary item on the agenda is a planning application for the onshore infrastructure associated with the proposed Bowdun Offshore Windfarm.

Bowdun Offshore Windfarm: Onshore Infrastructure

The committee is expected to consider a planning application for the onshore infrastructure required to connect the proposed Bowdun Offshore Windfarm to the national electricity grid. This includes the establishment of a landfall site near Benholm, the installation of approximately 23km of underground cabling, and the construction of a project substation within Fetteresso Forest. The application is for Planning Permission in Principle, meaning that while the principle of the development is being considered, detailed designs for aspects such as the substation's appearance and exact cable routes will be subject to further approval through a Matters Specified in Conditions (MSC) application.

The proposal is classified as national development under the National Planning Framework 4 (NPF4) due to its scale and its role in supporting renewable energy generation. The report pack details the environmental impact assessment (EIAR) undertaken by the applicant, Thistle Wind Partners, which covers a range of potential impacts including land use, biodiversity, landscape and visual effects, cultural heritage, geology, water quality, air quality, noise and vibration, traffic and transport, climate change, and socioeconomics.

Representations have been received from members of the public, community councils, and organisations such as the Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce and SSEN Transmission. Concerns raised by objectors frequently highlight the potential for cumulative impacts from this development alongside other proposed energy infrastructure in the Fetteresso Forest area, including the SSEN Hurlie Substation. Specific concerns include visual intrusion, loss of woodland and habitat, impacts on private water supplies, increased flood risk, noise and vibration, traffic disruption, and the industrialisation of the rural landscape. Supporters, including the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce and ETZ Ltd., emphasise the project's contribution to renewable energy targets, economic benefits, job creation, and the transition to a green economy. SSEN Transmission, as the owner of critical national infrastructure, has provided comments recommending conditions to safeguard their existing and proposed assets.

The report pack also includes details of a Pre-Determination Hearing held on 9 September 2026, where the applicant, objectors, and supporters presented their views. The committee's decision will be referred to the Infrastructure Services Committee for final determination.