Targeted consultations for Norwich to Tilbury

What we are proposing to change in your area and why

We are proposing changes to the location of the temporary construction laydown areas on the land around Norwich Main substation and related haul roads. This includes moving the temporary construction laydown areas to land west of pylons RG3 and RG5. 

These proposed changes would allow our proposals to avoid conflicting with the construction of other proposed developments in the area. 

We are also proposing other changes to the temporary works to accommodate the positioning of soil storage and associated landscaping works at Norwich Main substation, as well as other minor amendments to the order limits.

For more information and to see a map of these changes, you can view our consultation leaflet here. 

What are the environmental implications of the proposed changes? 

The proposed changes would not materially change the conclusions that were reported within the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) published as part of our summer 2024 consultation. 

For more information on environmental implications, please see the Environmental Implications of Change document (EIC) with location reference Norfolk 1, where information on the environmental implications of the proposed change is provided and can be read alongside the information contained here.

If, following careful consideration of any feedback we receive, we decide to make this change, baseline information, environmental surveys and assessments associated with this change will be provided in the Environmental Statement (ES) that will form part of our application for a Development Consent Order (DCO).

What we are proposing to change in your area and why

We are proposing to move a line of pylons near Forncett St Mary to the west of its previous location. The proposed change would affect the location of the pylons between RG30 and RG39.

This change is being proposed following feedback which asked us to consider if we could: 

• reduce potential effects on a site used for flying model aircraft
• reposition the alignment more centrally between residential properties on Northfield Road
• move pylons to field boundaries where practicable.

The proposed change in alignment would include RG30 and RG33 becoming angle pylons to help reduce the impacts on the site used for flying model aircraft. Angle pylons are used where the route changes direction. These pylons may be heavier and need larger foundations to carry the stresses of the change of direction.

We also considered repositioning the pylons to the east of the previous route, but this would make the route longer and need more angle pylons, which could increase the visual impact. 

Our proposed change would also move pylon RG39 closer to a field boundary and adjust the alignment closer to the mid-point between properties along Northfield Road. To accommodate this change in alignment, we are proposing to move the haul road and the bellmouths – where project traffic would cross public highways or enter the project site - along with other minor amendments to the order limits.

The crossing at Stickfer Lane would move north-west to Hurn Lane in order to follow the pylon alignment, the bellmouth on Cheney’s Lane would shift to the east, and the crossing on Northfield Road would move west.

For more information and to see a map of these changes, you can view our consultation leaflet here.

What are the environmental implications of the proposed changes? 

The proposed changes would not materially change the conclusions that were reported within the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) published as part of our summer 2024 consultation. 

For more information on environmental implications, please see the Environmental Implications of Change document (EIC) with location reference Norfolk 2, where information on the environmental implications of the proposed change is provided and can be read alongside the information contained here.

If, following careful consideration of any feedback we receive, we decide to make this change, baseline information, environmental surveys and assessments associated with this change will be provided in the Environmental Statement (ES) that will form part of our application for a Development Consent Order (DCO).

What we are proposing to change in your area and why

We are proposing to reposition a line of pylons between Tibenham and Bunwell Hill to the west of the location that was proposed at our statutory consultation in summer 2024. The proposed change would affect the location of the pylons between RG46 and RG52. 

This change is being proposed in response to consultation feedback which asked us to consider: 

• avoiding a veteran tree and active Honey Bee population
• using existing tracks for access to reduce impact on arable land
• reducing effects on an area of grassland considered particularly important to farm activities.

We are proposing that pylons RG48 and RG49 would be relocated roughly 60 m to the west of the location presented at statutory consultation in 2024, and associated pylons to the north and south would also be slightly adjusted. This would also avoid a veteran tree. To accommodate this change, pylon RG48 would become an angle pylon. Angle pylons are used where the route changes direction. These pylons may be heavier and need larger foundations to carry the stresses of the change of direction. 

This proposed change would also require several changes to related temporary and permanent accesses - along with other minor amendments to the order limits. The proposed permanent access would use a longer stretch of Brick Kiln Lane and, instead of creating a new access off to the east through farmland, would make use of an existing track, which is located along the northern edge of existing woodland. 

We would also reposition the haul road to follow this amended alignment. The haul road alongside RG48 and RG49 would be repositioned west to an area of the woodland which was previously cleared. This would allow the haul road to avoid a field used for livestock over-wintering and would limit the amount of tree removal required. The temporary access to the north and south would also be repositioned to follow the alignment. This would move the bellmouth where project traffic would cross the lane leading to Old Hall to a location 100 m further east from the location presented at statutory consultation in summer 2024.

We are also proposing to amend our proposals to replace a section of the existing lower voltage electricity overhead line with underground cables. The removal of the wooden poles between RG48 and RG49 would be extended further north to the field boundary, with more wooden poles remaining to the south than was proposed at our statutory consultation in summer 2024. The proposed underground cables would follow field boundaries and the haul road alignment to minimise the need for tree removal. 

For more information and to see a map of these changes, you can view our consultation leaflet here.

What are the environmental implications of the proposed changes?

The proposed changes would not materially change the conclusions that were reported within the Preliminary Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) published as part of our summer 2024 consultation. 

For more information on environmental implications, please see the Environmental Implications of Change document (EIC) with location reference Norfolk 3, where information on the environmental implications of the proposed change is provided and can be read alongside the information contained here

If, following careful consideration of any feedback we receive, we decide to make this change, baseline information, environmental surveys and assessments associated with this change will be provided in the Environmental Statement (ES) that will form part of our application for a Development Consent Order (DCO).

What we are proposing to change in your area and why

We are proposing to relocate a temporary construction laydown area near Winfarthing, to the south of the location that was proposed at our statutory consultation in summer 2024. The temporary laydown area would be relocated south of the B1134 close to RG58. The proposed change would not affect the overhead alignment. 

This change is being proposed following consideration of the findings from geophysics surveys in spring 2024 which identified important buried heritage assets on the land to the north of the B1134. 

Access for the temporary construction laydown area would still be from the B1134, as was presented at our statutory consultation in summer 2024. We are also proposing other minor amendments to the order limits.

For more information and to see a map of these changes, you can view our consultation leaflet here.

What are the environmental implications of the proposed changes? 

The proposed change would not materially change the conclusions that were reported within the Preliminary Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) published as part of our summer 2024 consultation. 

For more information on environmental implications, please see the Environmental Implications of Change document (EIC) with location reference Norfolk 4, where information on the environmental implications of the proposed change is provided and can be read alongside the information contained here. 

If, following careful consideration of any feedback we receive, we decide to make this change, baseline information, environmental surveys and assessments associated with this change will be provided in the Environmental Statement (ES) that will form part of our application for a Development Consent Order (DCO).

What we are proposing to change in your area and why

We are proposing to reposition a line of pylons between Palgrave and Mellis to the south-east of the location that was proposed at our statutory consultation in summer 2024. 

This would affect the pylons between RG94 and RG102 (previously presented at statutory consultation as RG095 and RG102). 

This is in response to consultation feedback which asked us to consider if we could:

• adjust the alignment to follow more of the existing 32kV route for a longer distance to reduce visual effects
• remove more of the 132kV overhead line to reduce cumulative effects
• reposition pylons to reduce potential effects on an airstrip.

The proposed change would include removing approximately a further 2 km of the 132 kV pylon line and replacing it with underground cable (with the total length of underground cable increased to around 5 km in this section), routed where possible to follow field boundaries. This would allow pylons RG95 to RG101 to more closely follow the alignment of the existing 132 kV line. This would reduce visual impact through positioning of the line using existing trees to screen views. We propose that from RG94 (previously presented during statutory consultation as RG095), the line would go south before turning southwest and following the existing 132kV line alignment before connecting to RG102 at a slightly reduced angle. 

This change would reduce visual impact on nearby properties and allow flight activity at the nearby airstrip to continue.

Alongside the alignment shift, the proposed change would also require amendments to temporary and permanent access arrangements along with other minor amendments to the order limits. We are proposing to reposition the temporary construction compound and the associated construction access further north towards the A143.

To accommodate this proposed change in alignment, we are also proposing to move the haul road and the bellmouths - where project traffic would cross public highways or enter the project site. We’re now proposing to reposition the bellmouth that would cross the A143 Old Bury Road to the east of its previously proposed location. 

The temporary construction compound for undergrounding the UK Power Networks (UKPN) line would be accessed via the A143 Old Bury Road (identified as Primary Access Routes H05-A2 and H06-A1 in the previous statutory consultation).

For more information and to see a map of these changes, you can view our consultation leaflet here.

What are the environmental implications of the proposed changes? 

The proposed changes would not materially change the conclusions that were reported within the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) published as part of our summer 2024 consultation. 

For more information on environmental implications, please see the Environmental Implications of Change document (EIC) with location reference Suffolk 1, where information on the environmental implications of the proposed change is provided and can be read alongside the information contained here.

If, following careful consideration of any feedback we receive, we decide to make this change, baseline information, environmental surveys and assessments associated with this change will be provided in the Environmental Statement (ES) that will form part of our application for a Development Consent Order (DCO).

What we are proposing to change in your area and why

We are proposing to reposition a line of pylons between Palgrave and Mellis to the south-east of the location that was proposed at our statutory consultation in summer 2024. 

This would affect the pylons between RG94 and RG102 (previously presented at statutory consultation as RG095 and RG102). 

This is in response to consultation feedback which asked us to consider if we could:

• adjust the alignment to follow more of the existing 32kV route for a longer distance to reduce visual effects
• remove more of the 132kV overhead line to reduce cumulative effects
• reposition pylons to reduce potential effects on an airstrip.

The proposed change would include removing approximately a further 2 km of the 132 kV pylon line and replacing it with underground cable (with the total length of underground cable increased to around 5 km in this section), routed where possible to follow field boundaries. This would allow pylons RG95 to RG101 to more closely follow the alignment of the existing 132 kV line. This would reduce visual impact through positioning of the line using existing trees to screen views. We propose that from RG94 (previously presented during statutory consultation as RG095), the line would go south before turning southwest and following the existing 132kV line alignment before connecting to RG102 at a slightly reduced angle. 

This change would reduce visual impact on nearby properties and allow flight activity at the nearby airstrip to continue.

Alongside the alignment shift, the proposed change would also require amendments to temporary and permanent access arrangements along with other minor amendments to the order limits. We are proposing to reposition the temporary construction compound and the associated construction access further north towards the A143.

To accommodate this proposed change in alignment, we are also proposing to move the haul road and the bellmouths - where project traffic would cross public highways or enter the project site. We’re now proposing to reposition the bellmouth that would cross the A143 Old Bury Road to the east of its previously proposed location. 

The temporary construction compound for undergrounding the UK Power Networks (UKPN) line would be accessed via the A143 Old Bury Road (identified as Primary Access Routes H05-A2 and H06-A1 in the previous statutory consultation).

For more information and to see a map of these changes, you can view our consultation leaflet here.

What are the environmental implications of the proposed changes? 

The proposed changes would not materially change the conclusions that were reported within the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) published as part of our summer 2024 consultation. 

For more information on environmental implications, please see the Environmental Implications of Change document (EIC) with location reference Suffolk 1a, where information on the environmental implications of the proposed change is provided and can be read alongside the information contained here.

If, following careful consideration of any feedback we receive, we decide to make this change, baseline information, environmental surveys and assessments associated with this change will be provided in the Environmental Statement (ES) that will form part of our application for a Development Consent Order (DCO).

What we are proposing to change in your area and why

We are proposing to reposition the overhead line alignment further away from the village of Gislingham and to the west of the railway track. The proposed change would affect the location of the pylons between RG114 and RG119 (previously presented at statutory consultation as RG114 to RG118). 

This is in response to consultation feedback which asked us to consider:

• moving the angle tower pylon and alignment of RG114 to RG118 further away from residential properties to the northern and eastern edges of the village
• the impact of the alignment on veteran trees between Thornham Road and Coldham Lane
• wider ecological concerns related to the alignment.

The proposed change involves the addition of one pylon, and the relocation of the angle tower further east to increase its distance from residential properties. 

We also considered moving the pylons to the west of the village, but this would increase impacts arising from proximity to properties. 

This proposed alignment change would result in the angle tower being positioned behind an established woodland, which would provide screening to the closest properties. As a result of the proposed alignment change, we are also proposing to reposition the construction compound to the north of Thornham Road to allow for better screening and reduce potential impacts on veteran trees. For more information on the construction access plans we presented at our statutory consultation, please visit our document library. A change to the proposed permanent access route for light maintenance activities would also follow the repositioned alignment.

To accommodate the proposed change in alignment, we are also proposing to move two bellmouths in the area - where project traffic would cross public highways or enter the project site - along with other minor amendments to the order limits. This includes the movement of the bellmouth on Burgate Road 110 m further south than was proposed at statutory consultation, and on Major Lane 200 m further east.

For more information and to see a map of these changes, you can view our consultation leaflet here.

What are the environmental implications of the proposed changes? 

The proposed changes would not materially change the conclusions that were reported within the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) published as part of our summer 2024 consultation. 

For more information on environmental implications, please see the Environmental Implications of Change document (EIC) with location reference Suffolk 2, where information on the environmental implications of the proposed change is provided and can be read alongside the information contained here. 

If, following careful consideration of any feedback we receive, we decide to make this change, baseline information, environmental surveys and assessments associated with this change will be provided in the Environmental Statement (ES) that will form part of our application for a Development Consent Order (DCO).

What we are proposing to change in your area and why

We are proposing to move a line of pylons near Cay Hill to the west of the location that was proposed at our statutory consultation in summer 2024. This proposed change would affect the locations of the pylons between RG136 and RG142 (previously presented at statutory consultation as RG135 to RG141). 

This is in response to consultation feedback which asked us to consider if we could:

• reposition the proposed alignment to reduce tree removal and increase the distance from residential properties
• use field edges to route diversions for lower voltage electricity lines to reduce potential effects on an area of perceived ecological interest
• use field edges or existing tracks for temporary and permanent works access where practicable.

Moving these pylons to the west would increase the distance to properties without the need to materially lengthen the route or introduce any additional angle pylons. The pylons would also be located to the edge of main sight lines from some properties compared with the alignment presented at statutory consultation in 2024.

We considered other adjustments to the alignment including paralleling the existing overhead line to the east, but these would make the route longer to varying extents, present technical risks for construction and future maintenance, place the alignment on slightly higher ground, increase the need for more angle pylons, and increase effects for some residential properties. For these reasons these other adjustments were less preferable.

This proposed change also allows us to relocate the temporary access arrangements in this location to more closely follow field boundaries except where it would be unsafe to do so. We are also proposing to modify the diversions of lower voltage electricity connections to follow field edges, along with other minor amendments to the order limits.

To accommodate this proposed change, we are also proposing to reposition the haul road and the bellmouths. The crossing over the unnamed lane north of RG137 (previously RG136) which was proposed at statutory consultation in 2024 would move to the west, and the former crossing on Lamberts Lane would move to follow the proposed alignment, crossing Lamberts Lane to the north-west near Elden’s Lane. 

For more information and to see a map of these changes, you can view our consultation leaflet here.

What are the environmental implications of the proposed changes? 

The proposed changes would not materially change the conclusions that were reported within the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) published as part of our summer 2024 consultation. 

For more information on environmental implications, please see the Environmental Implications of Change document (EIC) with location reference Suffolk 3, where information on the environmental implications of the proposed change is provided and can be read alongside the information contained here. 

If, following careful consideration of any feedback we receive, we decide to make this change, baseline information, environmental surveys and assessments associated with this change will be provided in the Environmental Statement (ES) that will form part of our application for a Development Consent Order (DCO).

What we are proposing to change in your area and why

We are proposing to add a temporary 132 kV construction compound near Needham Market to facilitate the undergrounding of the existing UK Power Networks (UKPN) 132 kV overhead line. 

The proposed change would introduce a new construction compound near pylon RG173 (previously presented at statutory consultation as RG172) but would not affect the proposed location of the overhead line as presented at statutory consultation. 

The map showing our proposed changes (included within consultation leaflet Suffolk 4) also shows an extended access route. This is an update in line with information on public highway boundaries and is not a change to the access route proposed at our statutory consultation in summer 2024. 

It is proposed that this access route would remain the permanent access route for inspection and light maintenance, as presented at statutory consultation.

We are proposing that construction traffic for the 132 kV undergrounding works would access the site via Hill House Lane and connect to the B1113 Stowmarket Road. The B1113 forms part of Primary Access Route H10-A1, as presented in the previous statutory consultation. 

Construction access for the Norwich to Tilbury overhead line would remain via the temporary construction haul road, as presented at statutory consultation. 

For more information and to see a map of these changes, you can view our consultation leaflet here.

What are the environmental implications of the proposed changes? 

The proposed change would not materially change the conclusions that were reported within the  Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) published as part of our summer 2024 consultation. 

For more information on environmental implications, please refer to the Environmental Implications of Change document (EIC) with location reference Suffolk 4, where information on the environmental implications of the proposed change is provided and can be read alongside the information contained here.

If, following careful consideration of any feedback we receive, we decide to make this change, baseline information, environmental surveys and assessments associated with this change will be provided in the Environmental Statement (ES) that will form part of our application for a Development Consent Order (DCO).

What we are proposing to change in your area and why

We are proposing to reposition the route for 132kV underground cables near Offton. The new route would follow field boundaries more closely that was proposed at our statutory consultation in summer 2024. 

This change is proposed in response to consultation feedback which asked us to consider:

• following field boundaries where practicable to reduce impacts on agricultural activity and avoid fields otherwise unaffected by works.

This 132 kV underground cable route would replace the existing 132 kV pylons that are owned by UKPN. We need to take down the UKPN pylons to accommodate the Norwich to Tilbury overhead line.

For more information and to see a map of these changes, you can view our consultation leaflet here.

What are the environmental implications of the proposed changes? 

The proposed change would not materially change the conclusions that were reported within the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) published as part of our summer 2024 consultation. 

For more information on environmental implications, please refer to the Environmental Implications of Change document (EIC) with location reference Suffolk 5, where information on the environmental implications of the proposed change is provided and can be read alongside the information contained here.

If, following careful consideration of any feedback we receive, we decide to make this change, baseline information, environmental surveys and assessments associated with this change will be provided in the Environmental Statement (ES) that will form part of our application for a Development Consent Order (DCO).

What we are proposing to change in your area and why

We are proposing to reposition the underground cable alignment near Raydon to the east of the location that was presented in summer 2024, and near Manor Farm to the south east of the location presented at our statutory consultation. We are also proposing to reposition the temporary works access and compound near Holton St Mary to avoid passing through the centre of the village. 

This is in response to consultation feedback which asked us to consider:

• reducing impacts on residential properties
• lessening impacts on agricultural activities by reducing the number of fields crossed
• moving the cable further away from water pipelines
• reducing the impact of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and large loads traffic through Holton St Mary.

The proposed change would result in the underground cables passing to the east of Wenham Grove and allowing for more extensive screening of the Cable Sealing End compound’ (CSE) through more effective planting. The alignment would move closer to Manor Farm and Bottle Bridge Cottages, where there would be some temporary construction effects.

The proposed change would lessen the impact on agricultural activity by reducing the number of fields affected by construction, compared to the previous proposal. The proposed change would also include moving the underground cabling at the south east of Raydon to reduce effects on residential properties, along with other minor amendments to the order limits.

We are proposing a temporary construction access road which would turn off the B1070 to the east of Holton St Mary via a new bellmouth. It would cross agricultural fields to the north of the village to access the construction compound located to the northwest near Raydon. The proposed route would reduce the effects of construction HGVs at Holton St Mary and follow field boundaries where possible to reduce agricultural impacts.

For more information and to see a map of these changes, you can view our consultation leaflet here.

What are the environmental implications of the proposed changes?

The proposed changes would not materially change the conclusions that were reported within the Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) published as part of our summer 2024 consultation.

For more information on environmental implications, please see the Environmental Implications of Change document (EIC) with location reference Suffolk 6, where information on the environmental implications of the proposed change is provided and can be read alongside the information contained here.

If, following careful consideration of any feedback we receive, we decide to make this change, baseline information, environmental surveys and assessments associated with this change will be provided in the Environmental Statement (ES) that will form part of our application for a Development Consent Order (DCO).