Middleton Substation
National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) is preparing to submit a planning application for an extension to Middleton Substation, near Heysham.
The way we generate electricity in the UK is changing rapidly, as we transition to cheaper, cleaner and more secure forms of energy like solar farms.
We need to make changes to the network of overhead lines, pylons, cables and other infrastructure that transport electricity around the country, so that everyone has access to the clean electricity from these new renewable sources.
You can find out more information here on the proposed extension at Middleton Substation, located around 5km from Lancaster on the outskirts of Heysham.
Extending Middleton Substation
Several new projects have been brought forward by customers near Middleton, which require connections to the grid. As we’re legally obligated to fulfil any connection requests, this extension will help meet demand in the area and ensure Middleton Substation remains able to ensure resilient and efficient energy transmission for years to come.
Our work would comprise of:
- Extending Middleton Substation to reinforce the network and facilitate new connection requests from two power generation and one demand project
- installing two new super grid Transformers with noise enclosures
- expanding the Gas Insulated Substation (GIS) building, to house new transmission assets and connection bays
- laying new internal access roads throughout the site
- erecting a new boundary fence around the extended substation compound, and ancillary works across the site.
Together with our contractors, we aim to complete the work while minimising disruption to local residents and visitors to the area.
Our anticipated timeline for the project, if approved, is illustrated below.
Coming up
As we finalise our planning application, you may notice members of our team including contractors, acting on our behalf, at Middleton Substation. We are currently working on a programme of ground investigation works which includes:
- Carrying out environmental, archaeological and ground condition surveys
- Working with nearby landowners to arrange for the monitoring of existing noise in the area
We have been granted consent by the relevant landowners to carry out this activity and will continue to work closely to ensure all necessary permissions are obtained.
Hear from our team
You’ll be able to hear from our team by:
- Clicking here to sign up to our online webinar, on 5 March 2025, from 6pm-7pm
- Attending our in-person event, on 13 March 2025, from 4pm – 7pm, at Heysham Jubilee Institute (30 Main Street, LA3 2RW)
National Grid sits at the heart of Britain’s energy system, connecting millions of people and businesses to the energy they use every day. We bring energy to life – in the heat, light and power we bring to our customer’s homes and businesses; in the way that we support our communities and help them to grow; and in the way we show up in the world. It’s our vision to be at the heart of a clean, fair and affordable energy future.
National Grid is a group of companies, and one of those companies, National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET), owns, builds and maintains the high voltage network in England and Wales. It is NGET who is developing plans for the Navenby Substation project.
Within the National Grid Group there are other distinctly separate legal entities, each with their individual responsibilities and roles. More information about National Grid can be found on the ‘about us’ section of National Grid’s website.
NGET owns, builds and maintains the high-voltage electricity transmission network in England and Wales. This network operates primarily at 400,000 volts (400kV) and 275,000 volts (275kV).
The highly strategic location of the site, close to the A683, allows vehicles to access the site directly without travelling through residential areas and on local roads, which will significantly mitigate disruption.
Vehicle movements will be largest during the construction period. During operation, vehicle movements to and from the site will be limited to only maintenance at the substation, typically significantly fewer than movements during construction.
We are in the process of completing ecological surveys, and their outcomes will be made publicly available upon the submission of our planning application. National Grid will work with Officers to offset any impact to sensitive species on site, and to mitigate any impact to the nearby Heysham Moss Site of Special Scientific Interest.
We’re finalising our Operational Noise and Vibration Assessments, to understand the potential noise and vibration impact during the development process on local residents. These impacts must be kept under legal limits, and we will work with officers at Lancaster City Council to ensure that any necessary mitigation measures are identified and implemented.
Years of study and research have indicated that, as long as exposure to EMFs is kept under conservative guideline limits, there is no evidence of any risk to health for those living nearby. All National Grid equipment and operations comply fully with local exposure limits, and typical exposure to magnetic fields is a fraction below guideline limits.
National Grid is now finalising its reports and assessments, ahead of submitting an application to Lancaster City Council under the Town and Country Planning Act. Officers at Lancaster City Council will review National Grid’s application, and work with the project team to review and approve reports detailing the ecological, noise and traffic impact of the development, amongst others.
In the coming months, Lancaster City Council will determine the application. this is either done by Officers, under delegated powers, or sent to a meeting of the Planning Regulatory Committee, who will assess, debate and determine the application.