National Grid to consult on plans to boost the electricity network between Bramford and Twinstead

  • New electricity reinforcement needed between Bramford and Twinstead by 2028 to carry renewable and low carbon power to homes and businesses
  • Project will help UK achieve its Net Zero target for 2050
  • National Grid will consult communities for eight weeks as part of statutory consultation
  • Online webinars, ‘ask the experts’ sessions and telephone consultation events to start on Tuesday 25 January

National Grid is holding a statutory public consultation on its proposals to reinforce the electricity network between Bramford in Suffolk, and Twinstead Tee in Essex. The consultation will run for eight weeks from Tuesday 25 January to Monday 21 March 2022.

The reinforcement is needed to carry more renewable and low carbon power from offshore wind, interconnectors and nuclear power. The plans include building a new 400 kV electricity transmission reinforcement between Bramford substation and Twinstead Tee, comprising 19km of overhead line and 10km of underground cables. National Grid would also remove around 27.5km of existing pylons.

National Grid held a non-statutory consultation last year, which has helped inform the development of the project. This statutory public consultation will give local communities the opportunity to see how their comments have been taken into account and to provide further feedback on the plans, before National Grid submits a planning application to the Planning Inspectorate.

Liam Walker, Project Director for Bramford to Twinstead, commented: “This reinforcement between Bramford and Twinstead is essential to carry more clean energy to homes and businesses across the UK, and to help the country reach Net Zero by 2050. We thank everyone who has already commented on our plans, and we are looking forward to sharing our updated proposals and receiving further feedback."

Members of the public will be able to take part in the consultation and speak with National Grid’s team by attending online webinars, booking a slot at an ‘ask the experts’ session or by visiting the project website. Paper copies of consultation materials will also be available to view at several locations in the local area.

The following table shows when the webinars are being held:

Webinar Date and Time

Webinar Topic

31 January 10am

Overview of proposals (BSL interpreter present)

3 February 6pm

Overview of proposals 

 

8 February 7pm

Sections AB Hintlesham and Chattisham and section C, Brett Valley

9 February 7pm

Sections D Polstead and E Dedham Vale AONB 

10 February 7pm

Sections F Leavenheath and Assington, G Stour Valley and H Grid Supply Point 

16 February 7pm

Construction and Environmental Impacts 

 

18 February 4pm

Overview of proposals 

 

21 February 10am

Sections AB Hintlesham and Chattisham and section C, Brett Valley

23 February 10am

Sections D Polstead and E Dedham Vale AONB 

24 February 10am

Sections F Leavenheath and Assington, G Stour Valley and H grid supply point (substation)

The following table shows when ‘ask the experts’ sessions will take place. For more information and to sign up, please visit www.nationalgrid.com/bramford-twinstead from 25 January 2022 and complete a booking form, email us at contact@[email protected] or call us on 0808 196 1515.

‘Ask The Experts’ Date

Time

1 February

9am-5pm

7 February

5pm-8pm

11 February

3pm-7pm

 

14 February

 

3pm-7pm

15 February

9am-1pm

 

22 February

3pm-7pm

 

2 March

9am-1pm

 

10 March

10am-3pm

 

15 March

9am-5pm

 

18 March

3pm-7pm

 

The following table shows the deposit locations and opening times. From the 25 January, consultation displays can be viewed and consultation material collected, subject to any change in coronavirus restrictions that restrict venue opening hours.

Deposit location

Opening times

Sible Hedingham Library 

Monday - 9am to 1pm

Tuesday - Closed

Wednesday - Closed

Thursday - 2pm to 7pm

Friday - Closed

Saturday - 9am to 5pm

Sunday - Closed

Sudbury Library

Monday - 9am to 5pm

Tuesday – 9am to 7.30pm

Wednesday - 9am to 5pm

Thursday - 9am to 5pm

Friday - 9am to 5pm

Saturday - 9am to 5pm

Sunday - 10am-4pm

Hadleigh Library 

Monday – Closed

Tuesday – 9am to 5pm

Wednesday – 9am to 5pm

Thursday – 9am to 6pm

Friday – 9am to 5pm

Saturday – 9.30am to 5pm

Sunday – 10am to 4pm  

All information about the consultation and how to give feedback can be found on the project website, www.nationalgrid.com/bramford-twinstead from 25 January 2022.

Residents who prefer to respond to the consultation via post can receive a printed copy of the feedback form and freepost envelope by calling the telephone information line on 0808 196 1515.

Residents within the immediate vicinity of the proposed reinforcement will also receive a newsletter with more information on the consultation.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Media contact: Helen Blake - 07790 824788
[email protected]