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A presentation was made by SSE officials and objectors also had the opportunity to make their views known.
John Rennilson, the council’s planning director, said: “Although the committee recognises that a high voltage electricity transmission system is key for the
development of renewable energy in the Highlands, they did not feel that the proposal presented to them today was acceptable.”
The committee said it also wanted to wait for a government report on the possible link associated with high voltage overhead power lines and cases of childhood
leukaemia.
Mr Rennilson said alternatives to the power line – such as laying it underground – must be explored at the earliest opportunity.
Mr Rennilson said: “This is an important issue and we cannot afford to tread water until the public inquiry in the autumn.”
SSE head of sustainable development, Dr Keith Maclean, said under-grounding would cost much more and mean environmental and maintenance problems.
But he said the option of burying some sections had not been ruled out.
Dr Maclean said: “The under-grounding issue is one that always causes a problem at this voltage.
“Most people’s view of an underground line is something under the pavement or under the road, but we are talking about a development in itself the size of a motorway.
“That has serious implications on the environment. It also has serious cost implications.”
He added: “We make quite clear in our report there are conditions whereby we would look at under-grounding.
“Our belief with the application was we had not got to that stage.
“We have to listen to what has been said from the consultation process and we will talk to the main stakeholders to look at all options to overcome the remaining
concerns that they have.”