Since engaging with the community, and following a review of our plans, we have proposed some changes to our application. These changes have been made to reduce the environmental impact of the proposed substation extension. More information on our proposals can be found below).

Officers at the council will now assess our application, and work with the project team to review the reports and assessments that have been submitted.

Project timeline

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Our proposals

The way we generate electricity in the UK is changing rapidly, as we transition to more secure, cleaner, home-grown energy from more affordable sources. Several new projects have been brought forward by customers near Middleton, which require a connection to our network. As we’re legally obligated to fulfil any connection requests, we’re proposing to extend our existing Middleton substation to help meet demand in the area.

Our final proposals included design changes that will reduce the environmental impact of the extended substation by using improved equipment at the substation.

Rather than extending the existing gas insulated switchgear building (GIS), we are proposing:

• a new standalone GIS building 10 metres (m) to the west of the existing GIS hall, slightly larger than originally proposed (46.2m x 20.2m)
• small changes to the redline boundary to accommodate the construction equipment needed to build the GIS hall and a temporary access road
• an extended access road to the western boundary of the site to allow easier access into the site once the temporary access road is removed. 

We are proposing that the GIS hall, which would be 2.2 m taller than the existing building, would be built using the same material as the existing hall, to minimise its visual impact. Existing landscaping around the site boundary will also continue to provide visual screening.