LionLink launches targeted consultation on proposed changes to project plans in Suffolk

National Grid Ventures (NGV), the arm of National Grid responsible for developing and operating LionLink, will launch a targeted consultation on proposed updates to the project following its statutory consultation earlier this year.

LionLink is a proposed subsea electricity interconnector between Great Britain and the Netherlands, which would connect to a Dutch offshore wind farm and deliver up to 2 gigawatts (GW) of electricity – enough to power around 2.5 million homes.

The targeted consultation, running from Tuesday 7 July to Wednesday 5 August 2026, seeks feedback on a number of suggested changes informed by community, stakeholder and technical input. It will focus specifically on localised changes rather than the full project, and provides an opportunity for those most directly affected, as well as the wider public, to share their views ahead of the submission of a Development Consent Order (DCO) application.

The proposed changes include: 

• An alternative landfall location at Walberswick (G3), positioned further from the village to reduce potential impacts on residents, public footpaths, recreational areas and the local environment.*
• Updates to the construction area at Lymballs Lane, near Darsham including a repositioned temporary haul road to reduce effects on nearby homes, traffic and ecology.
• Inclusion of Benhall Railway Bridge within the project boundary (Draft Order Limits) to allow potential restoration or support works for large construction deliveries.
• A series of refinements to access points and project boundaries along the route to improve construction access, safety and environmental mitigation.

Following the LionLink statutory consultation, which took place between January and March 2026, almost 900 pieces of feedback have been reviewed alongside ongoing engineering, environmental and technical assessments. The consultation and assessments have identified opportunities to refine elements of the project, which are now being presented for further feedback through this targeted consultation.

LionLink is also confirming wider updates, including selecting a preferred route for part of the underground cable corridor and reducing proposed construction working hours, with Sunday and Bank Holiday working no longer routine and would only take place where necessary.

Alex Marsh, Project Director for LionLink said: 

We would like to thank everyone who took part in our statutory consultation earlier this year. The feedback we received has played an important role in shaping these proposed updates.

This targeted consultation is an opportunity to share more detail on the changes we are proposing and to hear further views from communities and stakeholders directly impacted. We are committed to continuing to refine our plans in a way that carefully considers local feedback alongside technical and environmental considerations.

Consultation materials, including detailed maps and environmental information, are available to view and collect from the local deposit locations listed from Tuesday 7 July 2026.

Notes to editors

1. *The map highlights the newly proposed landfall location at Walberswick, marked G3, positioned further from the village and original landfall location marked G2.

Image

2. A public webinar will also be held on Tuesday 21 July to provide further information and answer questions. Details on how to register for this event are available via www.nationalgrid.com/lionlink
3. How to provide feedback: 
   1. Email - [email protected]
   2. Write to the LionLink project team using the Freepost address - Freepost NGV LIONLINK
   3. For more information on LionLink and how to take part in the consultation, please visit: www.nationalgrid.com/lionlink 
4. Feedback received during the consultation will inform the final proposals as the project moves towards submitting a DCO application, currently expected in spring 2027. The construction of LionLink requires the granting of a Development Consent Order (DCO). This is a special type of planning application for nationally significant infrastructure projects, where an independent panel of inspectors is appointed to review the plans. The inspectors will issue a recommendation to the Secretary of State for the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero, who will make the final decision.