Plans for a new north-east substation and underground cables have been rubber-stamped by councillors.
The substation proposals, from Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission (SHET), are on an area of land to the west of Wood of Middleton.
The development, near Rothienorman, consists of a platform area, control building, plant and infrastructure, ancillary facilities, access track and additional landscape work including a SUDS pond.
It is part of a wider plan to increase capacity between Blairhillock and Peterhead.
The energy company previously had permission to build the substation, but some changes have been made to the layout – which meant a new planning application had to be decided by Aberdeenshire Council.
Yesterday councillors debated the plans, which have proved controversial among some in the area.
There were concerns raised about the development’s impact on private water supplies, flooding and the increased construction traffic.
However Lauren Reoch, speaking on behalf of the developer at the meeting, said the energy firm were working together with Sepa to ensure water supplies were monitored before, during and after construction.
Meanwhile it also emerged there was a one in 1,000 year risk of flooding at the site, however Ms Reoch said this was also an issue they would monitor.
And the developer had also agreed with contractors that they were only permitted to access the site from the west, which would not increase traffic in Rothienorman.
Meanwhile, councillors also approved plans for an underground cable, which will form part of a wider link between Scotland and Norway.
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