Update 9th February - Since 16th January 2026 public comments via the ECU portal cannot be submitted via email and only the website portal can be used or post. Representations via the website portal are a limited number of characters (approx. 6000 words). See text from ECU website as follows:
Please note that representations@gov.scot can no longer be used to submit public representations for cases where the public consultation opened on or after 16 January 2026.
For these cases, representations must be submitted via the portal - account registration is not required.
Highland Council have not made a similar change for objections on Council planning matters - this was confirmed in the SPAC meeting 5th February 2026. Emailed submissions are still acceptable.
Update 25th November - Public comments to the ECU on the above three applications have now closed.
[Update 23rd September 2025 - Highland Council (as consultee) have Objected to the Beauly-Denny OHL diversion - decision notice can be found here]
[Update 30th October 2025 - Highland Council (as consultee) have Objected to the Spittal-Beauly OHL - document can be found here]
Comment for Highland Council Planning Applications
Can be made as follows:
going to the Highland Council planning portal here and register for an account and submit their online form (Note: the comment section online has a 5000 character limit);
or,
emailing your objection directly to eplanning@highland.gov.uk
or,
posting/hand delivering your letter direct to: ePlanning, eProcessing Centre, The Highland Council, Headquarters, Glenurquhart Road, IV3 5NX .
In your email or letter you must put:
Your Full Name
Address
Planning reference number(s) i.e. 25/00826/FUL for the Fanellan Substation
Clear indication of objection to the application
Any other supporting comments or information
Comments on the ECU applications must be made DIRECT TO THE ECU
These are usually Wind Turbine, OHL and larger BESS applications - do not submit them to Highland Council Planning as they are a consultee themselves on these Section 36 or 37 applications.
You can comment direct to the ECU as follows:
Any representations in respect of the application may be submitted via the Energy Consents Unit website either: follow the link from this website to the relevant project page and then click on the "Representations" section of the blue bar and "Add Representation"; OR, "Search" for the project by name, number or council and then click "Submit Representation". You do not need to register to submit a representation;
by email to the Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit at representations@gov.scot; or SEE COMMENT ABOVE
by post to the Scottish Government, Energy Consents Unit, 4th Floor, 5 Atlantic Quay, 150 Broomielaw, Glasgow, G2 8LU, identifying the proposal and specifying the grounds for representation. Please note that there may be a delay in the Energy Consents Unit receiving representations by post.
In your email or letter you must put:
Your Full Name
Address
ECU reference number(s) i.e. ECU00005056 (for the Beauly-Denny OHL Diversion)
Clear indication of objection to the application
Any other supporting comments or information
Some websites and tools to help you draft your objections:
These letters are created by the CB4PC team to help the public draft personalised responses for particular projects going to HC Planning or ECU. Please note comments above about the ECU limitation on use of emailed comments from 16th January 2026. This matter is being actively pursued by both ObjectNow and CB4PC.
Examples:
Please note the submission deadline dates on these applications are stated on the relevant ObjectNow landing page.
This firm of planning consultants based in Nottingham has a website that includes some very useful guides on how to structure an objection and what are valid grounds for objection.
This the general council guidance but indicate what are "material" reasons for objecting to an application and explains the timing of the process.