Overview
Tottenham Substation is a key part of the wider programme to upgrade the electricity network and strengthen power supplies into London.
Our work in Tottenham includes upgrading the power lines between Waltham Cross and Hackney. By upgrading the equipment surrounding the site, we can strengthen the wider network so it can take more energy from renewable sources.
What is taking place?
We’ve submitted a Non-Material Amendment (NMA) planning application for works taking place in Tottenham as part of the NLR project.
You can find a link to the application here: www.national-infrastructure-consenting.planninginspectorate.gov.uk.
A Non-Material Amendment allows us to make small changes to the design of our upgrade works without changing the overall scope of the project and what was previously consented.
Originally, the power lines were to route underground from Pymmes Brook before connecting into the substation. However, whilst preparing the site, we encountered significant engineering constraints that caused us to review our original approach to upgrading the lines coming into Tottenham Substation.
Changes to continue with underground cables would require construction activity outside the substation boundary, including within Lee Valley Park, which would increase disruption in this area. To keep disruption to a minimum, we now plan to route the cables over Tottenham Substation instead.
To facilitate this, we will need to:
- replace an existing pylon.
- install a new pylon within the substation.
- route a section of power lines over Pymmes Brook to the south of the substation.
Construction activity
Enabling works are expected to begin shortly, followed by further upgrades later in the year, once we have permission to proceed with the changes. These will include temporary access arrangements, traffic management, and additional safety measures.
Keeping communities informed
We aim to minimise the impact of our project as much as possible and to keep people informed about the work we’re doing at Tottenham.
Register your details with us here to receive information as it becomes available. You can also follow our WhatsApp channel for real-time updates on our activity. Read our Frequently Asked Questions document, including the QR code you can scan to join.
FAQs
These works are permitted via our Development Consent Order (DCO) that was granted in 2014. Originally, the ZBC line was to route underground from Pymmes Brook before connecting into the substation. However, whilst preparing the site, we encountered engineering constraints that caused us to review our original approach to upgrading the lines coming into Tottenham Substation.
Therefore, we have submitted a Non-Material Amendment (NMA) planning application.
A Non-Material Amendment allows us to make small changes to the design of our upgrade works without changing the overall scope of the project.
Continuing with underground cables would require construction activity outside the substation boundary, including within Lee Valley Park, which would increase disruption in this area. The original plan included:
- cables routing underneath Pymmes Brook
- two small cable bridges across Pymmes Brook
- two cable-sealing compounds
To keep disruption to a minimum, we now plan to route the cables over Tottenham Substation instead. To facilitate this, we will need to:
- replace an existing pylon with a taller one.
- install a new pylon within the substation.
- route a section of power lines over Pymmes Brook to the south of the substation.
The proposed changes do not affect the overall scope, purpose or environmental impact of the project. This means we will continue to meet all the requirements set out in the existing planning permission. Details of how construction will be managed will be agreed separately and are not part of this application.
Contact us
If you would like any further information or to speak to a member of the community relations team about the works, please use the contact form on our website or via the contact details below.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0800 538 5398