Our proposals
Blyth Substation is located just south of the former Blyth Power Station on Taranis Street, between Cambois and East Sleekburn.
Proposed site boundary
Planning and consents
The Blyth Substation project is being delivered in two phases. Planning consent has now been secured for the first phase of the project, and we expect to submit one further application for the second phase in 2027.
Phase one – Extension of the existing substation
Phase one involves extending the current Blyth Substation to meet initial customer connection dates.
Following the submission of an Environmental Screening (EIA) Request to Northumberland County Council in March 2026, the Council confirmed the proposed works for phase one do not constitute EIA development, meaning a full EIA is not required for this element of the project.
Current status
In July 2026, we submitted a planning application to Northumberland County Council for a small number of elements associated with phase one of the project that fall outside our permitted development rights, including the perimeter fencing and portable relay room. This application was approved in October 2026.
The details of this are shown in the table below and the full decisions can be viewed on Northumberland County Council's planning portal by searching for 26/02791/FUL, 26/02700/PA and 26/02633/REG. Construction for this phase is planned to commence in winter 2026/27.
In September 2026, Northumberland County Council also confirmed that the majority of the phase one works can proceed under permitted development rights provided through the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2025.
For further detail on which elements we have permission for, please refer to the table below.
| Construction activity that can be carried out under permitted development rights | Construction activity requiring planning permission |
Under permitted development rights, certain construction activities can be carried out without the need for a full planning application. This includes:
| We have secured planning consent for a small number of elements that fall outside our permitted development rights. This includes:
|
Phase two – Construction of a new substation
Phase two will see a new substation built nearby. This will provide the additional long-term capacity needed to meet future electricity demand and connect new developments as the region continues to grow.
We are developing our proposals and will share more information with the local community early next year. As part of this process, and before a planning application is submitted, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) screening request will be made to Northumberland County Council for phase two of the project.
Survey works
We are currently carrying out ground investigation and ecological surveys on land near the existing substation.
These surveys help us better understand ground conditions and the local environment so we can finalise our plans. Ground investigation work may include taking small soil samples or drilling boreholes, while ecological surveys involve assessing local habitats and monitoring wildlife such as birds, bats and reptiles.
You may see our specialist contractors working in the area. We will keep disruption to a minimum and ensure land is returned to its previous condition once surveys are complete.
If you have any questions, please contact the project team:
Call 0800 130 3711 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5:30pm)
Project timelines
