Frequently asked questions

Here you’ll find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the Brinsworth to High Marnham project. We’ll update these with Brinsworth Q and As when the Brinsworth consultation period opens.

We hope they answer your questions about this project, but if you have any other questions please get in touch with our Community Relations Team.

Project and need case

What is the Brinsworth to High Marnham project?

We’re proposing a series of works to upgrade the existing high voltage overhead electricity transmission lines between Brinsworth and Chesterfield and Chesterfield and High Marnham from 275 kV to 400 kV. This series of works will enable us to get greater capability out of the existing network (known as uprating).

The Brinsworth to High Marnham project will reinforce the network in this area through new substations, which enable electricity to be transported at different voltages, and upgrading some of the existing overhead electricity lines from 275 kV to 400 kV. This will provide the necessary increased capacity of the electricity transmission network between South Yorkshire and the North Midlands area.

We also propose a series of works to build three new substations in: 

  1. Brinsworth near Rotherham in South Yorkshire
  2. Cock Alley, near Calow in Chesterfield in Derbyshire
  3. High Marnham, near Normanton on Trent in Nottinghamshire.

 This will allow us to safely carry more energy from the North of England to homes and businesses in the Midlands and beyond and play an important role in building a more secure and resilient future energy system.

Why is the Brinsworth to High Marnham project needed?

Like much of the high voltage electricity transmission network across the country, the network in the North of England and the Midlands was largely built in the 1960s.  It was designed to connect in-land, large coal fired power stations and nuclear power stations in the North and Midlands areas.  Little or no infrastructure was constructed in some areas, so there is currently limited ability to support connections on the coast. Today, power still flows largely north to south on this part of the network.

Some of the existing network in the centre of the country operates at 275 kV, which limits its capacity. The Brinsworth to High Marnham project will reinforce the network in this area through new substations, which enable electricity to be transported at different voltages, and upgrading some of the existing overhead electricity lines from 275 kV to 400 kV. This will provide the necessary increased capacity of the electricity transmission network between South Yorkshire and the North Midlands area. 

Without uprating, the network won’t have the capacity that’s needed to move electricity across the network from where it’s produced to where it’s needed. Therefore, we need to upgrade it to maintain system compliance and prevent overloading circuits as they transport the energy that is generated. In addition, the substations will connect new low carbon electricity generation and storage that’s planned in the area.

By reinforcing the network in the centre of the country, the Brinsworth to High Marnham project will facilitate the connection of more low carbon electricity, to allow clean green energy to be carried around the network.

How has the need for the project been identified?

Every year the National Grid Electricity System Operator (NG ESO) looks at how much energy needs to be carried on the network in the future and where network capability needs to be improved to accommodate that.  The Network Options Assessment (NOA), published annually, provides the NG ESO’s recommendations for which network reinforcement projects need to be taken forward and when.

It is anticipated that the network between the North of England and the Midlands needs the capability to transfer around 31GW of electricity by 2035, compared to the 11.6 GW that it can transfer today. 

This project, along with others, is a priority because the Midlands, South and East of England – which covers areas spanning from the Humber in the North to East Anglia and the Thames Estuary in the south – have been identified as areas in need of network reinforcement to enable the connection of more offshore wind on the East Coast, which will enable Britain to generate more low carbon electricity.

The NG ESO has identified this and other reinforcements in NOA as ‘Essential’ to deliver the ‘Pathway to 2030 Holistic Network Design’ – connecting the offshore wind needed to meet the Governments 2030 target. 

Why does the network in the region need reinforcing?

The UK Government has set targets[1] for 50 GW of offshore wind electricity generation by 2030 and up to 140 GW by 2050. There is particular growth forecast in offshore wind capacity in Scotland and the North East of England, as well as interconnectors to and from European Power Grids. As more and more low carbon electricity is generated in Britain from the increase of offshore wind, more pressure will be placed on the existing network. The Midlands region has been identified as an area of the network that requires reinforcement. 

It is anticipated that the network between the North of England and the Midlands needs to be capable of transferring around 31 GW of electricity by 2035, compared to the 11.6 GW that it can transfer today.

How will this project help the UK achieve net zero?

The Brinsworth to High Marnham project is part of  The Great Grid Upgrade– the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations. Our infrastructure projects across England and Wales are helping to connect more low carbon energy to your homes and businesses.

The Brinsworth to High Marnham series of works will support the country’s transition to net zero and make sure the grid is ready to connect to more and more sources of low carbon electricity generated in Britain. 

The project would transport clean energy from the North of England to homes and businesses in the Midlands and beyond and play an important role in building a more secure and resilient future energy system. 

Brinsworth to High Marnham is one of 17 network reinforcements identified as ‘essential’ and which need to be accelerated to meet the Government’s 2030 targets.

What is The Great Grid Upgrade?

The Great Grid Upgrade is the largest overhaul of the grid in generations. Our infrastructure projects across England and Wales are helping to connect more low carbon energy to your homes and businesses. 

The Great Grid Upgrade will play a big part in the UK government’s plan to boost homegrown power. It will help the UK switch to clean energy and make sure our electricity network is fit for the future; carrying more clean, secure energy from where it’s generated to where you need it. 

  • More clean energy for all 

The Great Grid Upgrade will enable the electricity grid to carry more clean energy to communities in every part of England and Wales, helping us all reach net zero faster.

  • A grid that’s fit for the future 

As we continue to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and increase clean energy generation, we’ll be using more electricity than ever. That means we’ll need a grid that’s able to carry all of this extra electricity to wherever we might need it.

  • Energy security 

The Great Grid Upgrade will connect clean energy that’s produced right here in the UK, increasing the self-sufficiency of our energy supplies.

  • Investment close to home

As well as helping to reach net zero, the UK Government suggests that investment in onshore network infrastructure could support up to 130,000 jobs and contribute an estimated £4–11 billion of GVA (gross value added) to the United Kingdom economy in 2050.

Planning

Do you need planning permission to build/extend the substations?

Yes, the proposed new substations require consent under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. We’re engaging with the relevant Local Planning Authorities (LPAs); Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, North East Derbyshire District Council and Bassetlaw District Council as we develop our plans. 

Do you need planning permission for the overhead line works?

No, we don’t need planning permission for the work to uprate the existing high voltage overhead electricity transmission line. The Brinsworth to High Marnham overhead line was originally granted planning consent in the 1960s to operate at 400 kV, to date, it has only operated at 275 kV.

However, we’d need to carry out further work to link the existing overhead line into the new substations. This would be consented under section 37 of the Electricity Act 1989. 

What is the timescale of the project?

Following the launch of a public consultation in Spring 2024, we’ll submit three separate Town and Country Planning Act planning applications for the proposed Brinsworth, Chesterfield and High Marnham substations to the relevant local planning authorities to gain consent to undertake this work. 

Do you have any future plans in this area?

Our Brinsworth to High Marnham project will support the UK’s transition to net zero by adding capacity to accommodate increasing power flows from low carbon electricity sources like offshore wind and interconnections in Scotland and North East England, which is expected to double within the next ten years, to areas of demand south to the Midlands and beyond. By reinforcing the network in the centre of the country, the project will facilitate the connection of more low carbon electricity, to allow clean green energy to be carried around the network. 

This project is one of several network upgrades designed to get greater capability out of the existing network; allowing more electricity to pass through the transmission network and help accelerate the connection of clean energy projects. This ensures we’re getting more out of our existing infrastructure, before building new. 

The new substations near Brinsworth, Chesterfield and High Marnham will enable us to upgrade the existing network in the region and connect future transmission network projects as part of The Great Grid Upgrade.

EMFs

What are electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) and are they safe?

EMFs are electric and magnetic fields. EMFs are produced wherever electricity is used. Electric fields are produced by voltage and magnetic fields by current flowing through a conductor. Overhead infrastructure is a source of two fields: the electric field (produced by the voltage) and the magnetic field (produced by the current).

National Grid takes the issue of health very seriously and relies on authoritative and independent scientific organisations, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), to review the worldwide body of scientific evidence on electric and magnetic fields (EMFs) and health, as well as reviewing the science ourselves. 

Health considerations are given a high priority in the process by which we arrive at any proposals for new routes for electricity connections. Our approach is to ensure that all our assets comply with the guidelines set by Government on advice from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). A vast amount of research has been done into the possibility of health effects, without establishing any risks below these levels.

Will uprating alter the electric and magnetic fields (EMFs)?

Increasing the voltage of the overhead line will increase the electric field, but we ensure these remain within the safe levels set by Government. The magnetic field will be largely unchanged by the voltage increase, because a similar current will flow before and after the voltage increase. Both the electric and magnetic fields are highest directly under the overhead line but reduced very quickly as you move away from the line. More information on EMFs from these types of overhead lines can be found at www.emfs.info.

What are the health risks associated with living close to overhead lines?

At National Grid, all of our equipment is designed to comply with the Government Guidelines and policies for Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs). National Grid fully recognises people’s concerns and takes this issue very seriously. National Grid relies on authoritative and independent scientific organisations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UK Health Protection Agency (HPA) to review the worldwide body of scientific evidence on EMFs and health. 

As far as EMFs are concerned, we discharge that responsibility by ensuring that our network complies with any appropriate independent safety standards, i.e. the exposure limits advised by the HPA and adopted by Government. For further information visit www.emfs.info.

Lands

How should I respond to you if I am a landowner or occupier?

Our consultation is open to everyone and we’d like to share information with you about our proposals. We’ve written to everyone within 1 kilometre of our proposed new substations, as well as people and organisations who have a registered interest in land which may be affected by our proposals. 

If you have received a letter from Ardent, the project’s appointed land agents, please respond directly to this letter. The letter may request initial survey access and outline information regarding the ownership, occupation and use of your land. We also welcome you to provide feedback as part of this consultation – by completing a feedback form (available when consultation opens), or by Ardent, 36-38 Botolph Lane, London, EC3R 8DE.

I think my land / property might be affected; how can I find out?

If you think your land may be affected by our proposals, please contact the lands team to discuss the project.

Ardent will be assisting National Grid Electricity Transmission on this project as Land Agency support, and they can be contacted on 0203 693 2500 or email [email protected].

I have received a letter from Ardent, what does this mean?

If you have been contacted by our land agents Ardent, it is because your property / land is located near our proposed substation. Ardent is coordinating engagement with owners and occupiers on behalf of National Grid Electricity Transmission for this project. Please respond to any correspondence to ensure that we have a full understanding of your related land interest.

Will survey access be required to my land / property?

We’re required to undertake a range of engineering and environmental surveys to inform our project development. If access is required to your land, you will be contacted by the project’s land agents, Ardent who will seek to agree this in the form of a licence agreement.

These surveys will be undertaken by National Grid Electricity Transmission’s appointed contractors to assist in identifying and understanding engineering and environmental constraints that could influence new electricity transmission infrastructure.

What rights do you have to carry out the uprating works on existing infrastructure?

We have wayleaves and easements covering the existing overhead lines and these provide us access to retain, repair, replace, maintain and remove existing infrastructure.

We’ll be in touch with any landowners with existing electricity transmission infrastructure and in review of our existing rights, to discuss access during construction.

What will I see when you are undertaking the work?

This will largely depend on the location and type of construction activities, but we will develop a Code of Construction Practice to avoid, minimise or mitigate construction effects on the environment. 

It would however be reasonable to expect to see cars, vans, trucks, lorries, excavators, dumpers, tele handlers, winches, mobile cranes and road sweepers within the construction site and the surrounding area.

Will my access be restricted during construction?

As we are still developing our proposals, we need to carry out surveys and consultation to gain a full appreciation of how these works may impact affected landowners and their activities. Sometimes access may be restricted, but we try to minimise this where we can. 

We employ best practice when installing new overhead electricity lines. You can read more about that in our Construction best practice for overhead line installation guidance document.

Who should I speak to if I have further queries?

If you are a landowner or occupier you should direct any further queries in relation to our proposals to Ardent, who are assisting National Grid on this project as our Land Agents, on 0203 693 2500 or email [email protected].

Environment and impact

How will you protect the environment while the work is carried out?

An Ecological Appraisal (EA) will form part of our Environmental Assessment Report (EAR) which we’ll submit alongside our planning applications to Bassetlaw District Council, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and North East Derbyshire District Council. We’ll also complete a Biodiversity Net Gain Assessment, which we’ll include in our planning application. 

We’ll assess our proposals to ensure they meet the required 10% BNG gain required by local and national policy. This assessment will use the Biodiversity Metric (BM) 4.0. This compares the baseline state of the site with the as-built state, to determine if a net gain for biodiversity can be delivered. 

We’ve undertaken UK habitat classification surveys on the sites, including habitat typologies and condition assessments. This enables us to calculate the existing biodiversity units on-site and help inform changes in the conditions of the sites and identify any gain or loss of biodiversity units as a result of the works. Biodiversity proposals (such as species planting, amongst other mitigation) will then be developed to aim for a minimum of 10% BNG.

We’ll carry out all work in line with best practise guidelines from the Chartered Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management Good Practise Guide for Habitats and Species.

How will you consider impacts on the environment?

Feedback from community consultation, along with findings from our ongoing environmental assessments, will help shape the proposals for the Brinsworth to High Marnham project. We’ll prepare Environmental Assessment Reports (EAR) to support the planning applications.

Community 

What community benefits will you provide?

Communities play a vital role in the transition to cleaner sources of energy. We believe those that host energy infrastructure should benefit from doing so.

We’re committed to working in collaboration with communities, stakeholders, suppliers and other parts of industry, to leave a lasting positive legacy by delivering community benefits in the areas that host our infrastructure.

Opportunities for young people

To help achieve net zero by 2050, we estimate our industry needs to recruit 400,000 jobs between now and 2050.

Find out more about careers, apprenticeships and student placements with National Grid:

https://jobs.nationalgrid.com/UK/]

Grid for Good

Grid for Good is our flagship programme that helps increase access to training and employment opportunities for young people. We support students with career coaching and masterclasses.

Already we’ve reached out to students from schools and colleges across many parts of England, with more activities to come. Find out more about Grid for Good:

https://www.nationalgrid.com/responsibility/community/grid-for-good

Community Grant Programme

When we are nearer to construction, our community grant programme will be open for applications from local charities and not for profit organisations to support local community initiatives. You can find out more at:

https://www.nationalgrid.com/responsibility/community/community-grant-programme

What is the Community Grant Programme?

The National Grid Community Grant Programme is aimed at community organisations and charities in areas affected by our work. We know our responsibility as a business goes beyond safely building new energy infrastructure to enable a cleaner, fairer and affordable future. 

We want to leave a lasting positive impact where we build our projects to help those areas and communities thrive and to support a sustainable future.

We’ll provide information about how to apply for this programme which funds projects that meet local needs by providing a range of social, economic and environmental benefits.

Find more details and information on how to apply here.

Consultation 

How can I have my say?

Knowing what matters to you, matters to us. We’ve launched our public consultation and invite local views on plans for our Brinsworth to High Marnham project.

Given our plans fall across multiple local authorities (North East Derbyshire District Council, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council and Bassetlaw District Council) and require separate Town and County Planning Act planning applications to be submitted for all three substations, we want to hear the views of local people from all three districts.

Our consultations are open for four weeks: 

  • High Marnham: 22 April to 20 May 
  • Chesterfield: 22 April to 20 May
  • Brinsworth: We’ll share information about the Brinsworth consultation period very soon – please check back here for further details.

You’ll be able to provide feedback when the consultations open

How can I find out more information?

We’ll provide documents with further information on the Brinsworth to High Marnham project when the consultations open. 

We’ll hold a series of face-to-face events and online webinars to share more information about our proposals. To find out about our consultation events in your area:

View Chesterfield

View High Marnham

How do I get in touch and stay informed?

Should you have any questions about the project and/or want to stay up-to-date please contact: 

About substations

What will the substation look like?

We’re still in the process of finalising our designs for the proposed substations. We’ve shared some initial imagery of what the substations will look like which is available on our project webpage www.nationalgrid.com/b-hm We’ll further develop the proposals we’re presenting now, taking onboard feedback we receive, before we submit out planning applications. Once the planning applications have been submitted, members of the public can view the plans and information that has been gathered.

Why are three substations needed?

The Brinsworth to High Marnham project will reinforce the network in this area through new substations, which enable electricity to be transported at different voltages, and upgrading some of the existing overhead electricity lines from 275 kV to 400 kV. This will provide the necessary increased capacity of the electricity transmission network between South Yorkshire and the North Midlands area.

How visible will the substation be?

We’ll incorporate suitable and sensitive landscaping to help screen the proposed substation and minimise the visual impact of the substation on the existing landscape. Where possible, we’ll retain existing vegetation and trees and mitigate any changes to the landscaping of the site wherever possible. 

How noisy will the substation be?

We don’t anticipate any significant noise when the proposed new substation is operational. We expect it will generate a low frequency ‘hum’, comparable with the noise levels of the existing substation. However, we’ll carry out a series of acoustic surveys to assess background and operational noise. We’ll then consider mitigation measures, such as landscaping and acoustic fencing, to minimise any potential impacts on surrounding residential areas. 

We’ll discuss any local requirements with the respective local authorities for each substation to ensure we conduct the appropriate environmental surveys and noise assessments.

Will there be any light pollution?

We’ll ensure that any light pollution is kept to minimum during construction and when the substations are operational. Substations aren’t generally lit or permanently illuminated, other than sensor-activated security lighting for night-time access.

Will there be any permanent impact on traffic?

When complete, we expect traffic to and from the site will be minimal, with around ten cars or light goods vehicles visiting the site each month. As part of our planning application, we’ll develop a traffic management plan with the relevant local planning authority. 

How did you identify the proposed substation locations?

Selecting appropriate locations for new substations is critical to ensure secure and reliable electricity supplies, while balancing consumer costs, effects on communities and the environment and engineering requirements. We've taken all of these into consideration to identify the proposed sites near Brinsworth, Chesterfield and High Marnham, including their proximity to the existing network.

Will the existing substations remain operational?

Following the completion of the new 400kV substations at Chesterfield and High Marnham, the existing 275kV substations will be decommissioned. The existing substation at Brinsworth will remain operational. 

About Existing infrastructure 

What does ‘uprating’ mean?

When we uprate an overhead electricity transmission line , we increase the operational rating capacity of the existing transmission line to carry more electricity, in this case, from 275 kV to 400 kV. We’ll retain the existing wires (known as conductors) based on their current condition. 

Will uprating make the line noisier?

The existing overhead electricity transmission line is already amongst the quietest that National Grid operates anywhere in England and Wales, and many lines of this type already operate at 400 kV without any noise impacts. While noise from the overhead line may increase following the voltage uprating, we do not expect the increase to be significant. 

What rights do you have to carry out the uprating works on existing infrastructure?

We have wayleaves and easements covering the existing overhead lines and these provide us access to retain, repair, replace, maintain and remove existing infrastructure. We’ll be in touch with any landowners with existing infrastructure with details to discuss access during construction. 

Chesterfield

Why is a new substation needed at Chesterfield?

We need to upgrade the existing overhead electricity transmission line that runs between Brinsworth and Chesterfield and High Marnham, near Normanton on Trent in Nottinghamshire- passing through Cock Alley, Calow, near Chesterfield. Our proposals are part of The Great Grid Upgrade to help the UK switch to clean energy and make sure our electricity network is fit for the future. 

This upgrade will mean the overhead transmission line can operate at 400 kV, rather than the existing 275 kV (known as uprating). The uprated transmission line will need to connect into Chesterfield substation in Cock Alley. However, the existing Chesterfield substation operates at 132 kV and 275 kV so is unable to accept the incoming power from the uprated 400 kV line. This means we need to extend the substation to install additional equipment. 

Where is the proposed new substation?

The site we’re proposing for the new substation is immediately south of the existing substation off Calow Lane. 

How was this location chosen?

In arriving at the proposed location for the substation extension, we have to strike the right balance between maintaining secure reliable electricity supplies, managing the cost to consumers, potential effects on the community, the environment and local economy, as well as engineering considerations. The proposed location represents the best balance of these factors.

When do you intend to submit your planning application?

We intend to submit our application to North East Derbyshire District Council in early 2025. 

During construction

I live/work near the site. What impact will your work have on the local community?

Our proposals are still in development and we don’t yet know the details of the construction work. While there may be some disruption, we’ll do all we can to minimise our impact on the local community. 

We’ll share information with the local community and North East Derbyshire District and Chesterfield Borough Councils, as well as the Parish Councils and County Council. This will help us to better understand how we can minimise the potential impacts of our work. For example, if we need to introduce road closures and how we can minimise potential noise and dust impacts. 

We’re committed to being a good neighbour and we’ll make sure any disruption to the local community is kept to a minimum.

Will there be local power cuts while the works are carried out?

No. The work will have no impact on your electricity supply. The work that we need to carry out is on part of the national transmission system and has no direct effect on homes, businesses, schools and other premises in the local area.

What are your working hours?

We expect to start construction work around spring 2026 and consequently don’t yet have details on our working hours. To ensure we can complete the project as soon as possible, and help meet the UK’s net zero ambitions, we may need to work extended hours/ double shift patterns. We’ll agree our working hours with North East Derbyshire District Council and update our site neighbours before we start work. 

Will the work generate any noise and dust?

Given the nature of the construction work, it’s likely we’ll generate some noise and dust. We’ll regularly monitor these to ensure they stay within acceptable levels, as agreed with North East Derbyshire District Council. We’ll adopt best practice measures to minimise construction noise and vibration to the lowest levels possible, where practicable.

How will you access the site?

We’ll use the existing site access off Calow Lane, to the north of the site, for both construction and when the substation is operational. 

Calow Lane benefits from direct connection into the wider network, including the A617 and the M1. We’ll use the existing site access off Calow Lane to the North of the site, for both construction and when the substation is operational. We’ll also use a temporary construction access point off Calow Lane, to the west of the existing substation. 

Will you close any footpaths?

There are Public Rights of Way (PRoWs) within the vicinity of the site that we may need to divert during construction. We don’t anticipate any permanent closures. We’ll agree any temporary closures with Derbyshire County Council and set out the details in the Environmental Assessment Report we submit to the council.

We’ll let our site neighbours know in advance of any closures or diversions and make sure they’re clearly signposted at each end and on connecting footpaths. 

Will you close any roads and what traffic impacts will there be?

We’ll assess potential traffic and transport impacts associated with our proposal as part of our planning application and submit a detailed Construction Traffic Management Plan to Derbyshire County Council before we start work on-site. 

This will set out how we plan to reduce potential impacts of road-based construction traffic through measures such as clear controls, hours of site operation, routes for large goods vehicles and the timing management of deliveries.

During construction, we'll also use a temporary access off Calow Lane, to the west of the existing substation, to avoid plant and equipment going through the live substation. Calow Lane benefits from direct connection into the wider network including the A631, A630 and M1. 

High Marnham 

Why is a new substation needed at High Marnham?

We need to upgrade the existing overhead electricity transmission line that runs between Brinsworth and Chesterfield and High Marnham, near Normanton on Trent in Nottinghamshire. Our proposals are part of The Great Grid Upgrade to help the UK switch to clean energy and make sure our electricity network is fit for the future.

The upgrade will mean the overhead transmission line can operate at 400 kV, rather than the existing 275 kV (known as uprating). The uprated transmission line will need to connect into High Marnham substation.

The existing High Marnham substation operates at both 275 kV and 400 kV, but doesn’t have sufficient capacity to accept additional incoming 400 kV power from the uprated Brinsworth to High Marnham line.

Where is the proposed new substation?

The site we’re proposing for the new substation is immediately west of the existing substation off the Marnham to Fledborough Road. 

How was this location chosen?

In arriving at the proposed location for the substation extension, we have to strike the right balance between maintaining secure reliable electricity supplies, managing the cost to consumers, potential effects on the community and local economy, as well as engineering considerations. The proposed location, immediately to the west represents the best balance of these factors.

When do you intend to submit your planning application?

We intend to submit our application to Bassetlaw District Council in early 2025. 

During construction

I live/work near the site. What impact will your work have on the local community?

Our proposals are still in development and we don’t yet know the details of the construction work. While there may be some disruption, we’ll do all we can to minimise our impact on the local community. 

We’ll share information with the local community and Bassetlaw District Council, as well as the Parish Councils and County Council. This will help us to better understand how we can minimise the potential impacts of our work. For example, if we need to introduce road closures and how we can minimise potential noise and dust impacts. 

We’re committed to being a good neighbour and we’ll make sure any disruption to the local community is kept to a minimum.

Will there be local power cuts while the works are carried out?

No. The work will have no impact on your electricity supply. The work that we need to carry out is on part of the national transmission system and has no direct effect on homes, businesses, schools and other premises in the local area.

What are your working hours?

We expect to start construction work around spring 2026 and consequently don’t yet have details on our working hours. To ensure we can complete the project as soon as possible, and help meet the UK’s net zero ambitions, we may need to work extended hours/ double shift patterns. We’ll agree our working hours with and Bassetlaw District Council and update our site neighbours before we start work.

Will the work generate any noise and dust?

Given the nature of the construction work, it’s likely we’ll generate some noise and dust. We’ll regularly monitor these to ensure they stay within acceptable levels, as agreed with Bassetlaw District Council. We’ll adopt best practice measures to minimise construction noise and vibration to the lowest levels possible, where practicable.

How will you access the site?

We’ll use the existing site access off the Marnham to Fledborough Road for both construction and when the substation is operational. The road benefits from direct connection into the wider network, including the A57 and A1.

Will you close any footpaths?

There are no Public Rights of Way (PRoW) within the site or the near vicinity, and as such no diversion or alteration of footpaths would be required.

Will you close any roads and what traffic impacts will there be?

We don’t have any details regarding the impact our work will have on the road network as we’re yet to finalise the substation design. We’ll assess potential traffic and transport impacts associated with our proposal as part of our planning application. 

We’ll also submit a detailed Construction Traffic Management Plan to Nottinghamshire County Council before we start work on-site. This will set out how we plan to reduce potential impacts of road-based construction traffic through measures such as clear controls, hours of site operation, routes for large goods vehicles and the timing management of deliveries. 

We expect to access the site, for both the construction and operational phases, via an unnamed road off Main Street, to the west of the site – to avoid plant and machinery passing through the existing substation.

Consultation 

What are you asking for feedback on?

We’re seeking your views on our substation proposals. Your feedback is important in helping us to develop the project. We value your comments on aspects including traffic management; environment; local features and impacts that are important to you, including any relevant mitigation you would like to see; and anything else you think we should consider as we further develop our proposals.  

Your feedback will help shape our plans and how we finalise our proposals ready for submission to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, North East Derbyshire District Council and Bassetlaw District Council. We’ll submit a Statements of Community Involvement with our applications, which will record all feedback and provide our responses. 

How do I get in touch and stay informed?

Should you have any questions about the project and/or want to stay up-to-date please contact: 

I’ve submitted feedback, what are the next steps?

The feedback we receive during consultation will inform how we further develop our plans for Brinsworth to High Marnham and will influence the next stage in the design of the project.

We’ll review the feedback we receive and take that on board as we further refine our proposals ready for submission to Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, North East Derbyshire District Council and Bassetlaw District Council. 

National Grid partners with Met Office to boost capacity on the electricity transmission network - electricity transmission pylon and overhead lines at dusk

Get in touch

Do you have questions about the project? Or would you like to register your interest for us to keep in touch? Contact our Community Relations Team:

Email:[email protected]

Freephone:0800 073 1047 Monday to Friday 9am-5:30pm (An answering service is in place outside of these times)

Write to us: FREEPOST National Grid Projects (JBP) (no stamp or additional address information required)

You can also register your details to receive email updates on the project.

Register your email  

If you think our proposals could affect your land, please contact the Brinsworth to High Marnham Land Referencing Team at Ardent. You can call 0203 693 2500 or email [email protected]. Alternatively, you can write to Ardent, 36-38 Botolph Lane, London, EC3R 8DE.