To connect the new power station we will need to build a new 400,000 volt overhead powerline from the power station site to a point on the existing National Grid network, which runs between Norwich and Walpole St Peter. This has been identified as the most efficient and economic way of connecting the power station to the existing line. Depending upon the final route, the line will be around 2.8km (1.75 miles) in length.

Following initial environmental and technical studies, three route corridors – broad widths of land within which an overhead line could be sited – were identified.

In 2010 we embarked on a programme of consultation to understand the views of the local community and determine which of the three route corridors should be chosen for a line.

Stage one began on 22 February 2010 and we asked for people to send their views on the three potential route corridors by 7 May 2010.

Following this consultation and studies to assess each corridor’s suitability, the east corridor has been chosen as the most appropriate for a new overhead line. You can find out more information about how National Grid made its decision by going to viewing the ‘Report of route corridor preference’ document

We are now in the next stage of consultation. This will determine the specific locations of the pylons within the east corridor. Once this consultation has taken place and further technical assessments have been completed a preferred route alignment will be announced.

The east corridor

Within the east corridor it is proposed that a new 400,000 volt overhead line will leave the power station in a south-easterly direction towards the existing 400,000 volt overhead line. The corridor contains the River Nar and the railway line and is approximately 2.8km (1.75 miles) long.

Next steps

Stage two consultation

Stage two of the public consultation started in March 2011. It will inform a preferred route for a new overhead line and the locations for the pylons. The views of the community, including those with an interest in the land, will be taken into account in deciding on a preferred route for a proposed overhead line.

Public consultation events will be taking place on Friday 25 March at the Ramada Hotel in King’s Lynn, and Saturday 26 March at the William Burt Centre Village Hall, West Winch.

There will also be two community workshops that will take place following the public consultation event to give members of the local community the opportunity to help inform the process in deciding the proposed locations of a new line.

A final decision on our preferred route alignment will only be taken after feedback obtained during this second stage of the public consultation process has been taken into account.

Stage three consultation

The final stage of consultation will seek views on our preferred route of the proposed connection.

Submission of application

Following stage three, we will submit an application and Consultation Report to the Infrastructure Planning Commission. At this point the public and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment to the Infrastructure Planning Commission. We anticipate that this will take place in winter 2011.This timetable may change as the project progresses. We will keep you informed via this web site.

Find out more

You can find out more by:

• visiting our King's Lynn connection consultation web site at: kingslynnconsultation.nationalgrid.com
• emailing nationalgrid@kingslynnconnection.com
• contacting National Grid’s freephone helpline on 0800 804 7681 (lines open 9am – 5pm Monday to Friday) or by
• writing to us using our freepost address:
  Freepost RSGS-HKSY-GSJU
  National Grid Community Relations
  PO Box 3028
  BristolBS1 9FF

• King's Lynn connection documents
• King's Lynn connection consultation web site