We recently submitted our Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO) application to The Secretary of State for Energy Security & Net Zero. This is a legal process that allows rights to be secured over land where needed for essential infrastructure. A statutory consultation took place for a period of 21 days, closing on 19 June 2026. Further objections may still be accepted at the discretion of the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero. 

This project involves upgrading around 100 km of existing high voltage overhead electricity transmission lines between Pelham and Rayleigh, enabling more power to be transported through the network. The work is needed in order to meet increasing energy demand. 

No new pylons will be constructed as part of these works.

The CPO and accompanying maps can be viewed on this website in the document library.

During the statutory consultation period, copies of the order and map were also available to view during opening hours at the following libraries. 

• Wickford Library, Market Road, Wickford, SS12 0RA
• Braintree Library, 5 Fairfield Road, Braintree, CM7 3YL
• Chelmsford Library, County Hall, Market Road, Chelmsford, CM1 1QH
• Bishop’s Stortford Library, The Causeway, Bishop’s Stortford, CM23 2EJ

The statutory objection period for the CPO application closed on 19 June 2026. Objections were sent to John McKenna, Head of Electricity Network Planning Team, Energy Infrastructure Delivery, Energy Development, Department for Energy Security & Net Zero.

We will shortly be holding two drop-in events for residents to find out about the project and speak directly with members of the project team. If you have any questions, or want to learn more, please do come along to one of the following:

• The Nevendon Centre, Nevendon Road, Wickford, Essex, SS12 0DG on Wednesday 8 July 2026, 2pm to 7pm 
• Marks Farm Community Centre, Dunstable Drive, Braintree, Essex, CM7 3LT on Tuesday 14 July 2026, 2pm to 7pm.

Interactive map