Little Horsted

Project description

At National Grid we are at the heart of Britain’s energy system, connecting people to the energy they use, safely and reliably. We keep the lights on so people can go about their daily lives. And we’re working to build a secure, affordable and cleaner energy system that serves everyone.

Electricity is carried from power stations, wind farms and other sources through a network of high-voltage electricity lines, owned and operated by National Grid. These electricity lines connect to hundreds of substations around the country, which then transfer electricity to local distributors, who in turn supply it at a lower voltage to local homes, schools and businesses.

This project involves the development of a new electricity supply point near Little Horsted, at the junction of Eastbourne Road with the A22. This is essential to allow UK Power Networks to connect to our network, enabling them to improve the electricity supply to the surrounding area and meet increased demand.

The new connection will involve building two new electricity substations (one for National Grid and one for UK Power Networks, which they will deliver) and two new pylons, along with the dismantling of one existing pylon.
 

Project update: Autumn 2025

Within the substation we've erected two pylons and we are connecting them to the existing overhead line and electricity network. This requires restringing and reconductoring work to neighbouring pylons and overhead wires from Sand Hill Lane, Harveys Lane and Palehouse Common (to the east) and East Sussex National Hotel, Golf Resort & Spa (to the west).

A pylon usually carries two circuits, one on each side, and at the pylon peak is an earthwire. We turn the power supply off on these pylons to allow the work to take place, one circuit at a time, under an outage. The first wire circuit is now complete.

The footpaths that were impacted by our work between August and November are now open. These were Bridleway Little Horsted 10b, Footpaths Framfield 11, 6 and 7, Footpath East Hoathly with Halland 3, whilst Framfield 9,12,10, 8a and 8b remained open. There were short term path closures on Framfield 8a and 8b whilst scaffolding and netting were erected over the paths, but this work has finished.

When this work starts again you may notice activity including satellite compound areas being established where equipment 'pulls' the wire from pylon to pylon, temporary trackway being laid for access to the locations, vegetation strimming and traffic management signage installed. You may see scaffolding on either side of the A22, Eastbourne Road near Harveys Lane and Sand Hill Lane and scaffolding netting across the road, for this work. Some of this work around the A22 will be done at night in line with local authority requirements.

Scaffolding and netting are installed to protect the public, roads, buildings, railways and distribution power lines. Together they create safe working areas and access for our vehicles, staff, plant and equipment. There may be additional footpath closures for the second wire circuit works. We will update this page with the dates and details of this work once confirmed.

Community Grant Programme

Due to the very nature of what we do – connecting people to the energy we all use – we’re at the heart of communities and each year we make a significant charitable investment in the UK. Our Community Grant Programme is aimed at community organisations and charities in areas where our work is impacting local people through our operations and construction activities.

Communities impacted by the maintenance of existing infrastructure (e.g. refurbishment of overhead lines or substations resulting in road closures and other impacts) can apply for grants of up to £10,000.

Communities impacted by construction work for new infrastructure projects (e.g. the building of new underground tunnels or a new substation resulting in a significant increase in heavy goods traffic, noise and other impacts) can apply for grants of up to £20,000.
 

Find out how to apply