Residents fighting plans for a series of “super pylons” across some of the region’s most treasured landscapes claim they have been left in the dark.
Locals have banded together to oppose Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (Shet)’s plans for the 165ft structures in a “corridor” which passes close to Bennachie and other landmarks.
The energy firm recently completed its first phase of a public consultation on plans for a “back up” powerline between Blackhillock and Kintore.
The exact route power line – which would “reinforce” the electricity transmission network between the Highlands and the north-east – has yet to be decided.
However locals groups West Aberdeenshire Pylon Action (Wapa) and Craigearn, Leschangie And Monymusk Pylon Action (Clampa), along with a number of community councils, have objected.
And last night Wapa chairman Bill Henderson claimed a decision by Shet to postpone the publication of a report on the public consultation had left locals facing “uncertainty”.
Mr Henderson said the report would contain a detailed project timeline which would “enable residents in affected communities to understand how and when key decisions will be made, and by whom”.
He hopes to convince the energy firm to look at “alternative options”.
Mr Henderson said: “SSE say they have consulted, but Wapa would contest that the lack of detailed information about the project timeline and decision making process means it is quite clear that the SSE have a preferred route and the consultation is a tick box exercise.
“The whole thing has a community threat, this is an entirely unspoiled area from pylons. It passes by National Trust properties. There are viable alternatives”.
The report was originally due for publication in June 30, but now may not be released until early August.
A spokesman for Shet said it had “received a large volume of feedback” and it would “take time to record and consider all the issues raised”.
“As a result, we now expect to be ready to publish the report on the first phase of consultation in August,” he said.
“The report will include a summary of all feedback we have received and explain how the comments have been considered and addressed in relation to the development of a route corridor.
“This process precedes detailed investigation of specific route and design options within the corridor, which we expect to be the subject of further consultation next year.”