National Grid to consult on plans to boost the electricity network between Bramford and Twinstead

National Grid is holding a statutory public consultation on its proposals to reinforce the electricity network between Bramford in Suffolk, and Twinstead Tee in Essex. The consultation will run for eight weeks from Tuesday 25 January to Monday 21 March 2022.

The reinforcement is needed to carry more renewable and low carbon power from offshore wind, interconnectors and nuclear power. The plans include building a new 400 kV electricity transmission reinforcement between Bramford substation and Twinstead Tee, comprising 19km of overhead line and 10km of underground cables. National Grid would also remove around 27.5km of existing pylons.

National Grid held a non-statutory consultation last year, which has helped inform the development of the project. This statutory public consultation will give local communities the opportunity to see how their comments have been taken into account and to provide further feedback on the plans, before National Grid submits a planning application to the Planning Inspectorate.

Liam Walker, Project Director for Bramford to Twinstead, commented: “This reinforcement between Bramford and Twinstead is essential to carry more clean energy to homes and businesses across the UK, and to help the country reach Net Zero by 2050. We thank everyone who has already commented on our plans, and we are looking forward to sharing our updated proposals and receiving further feedback."

Members of the public will be able to take part in the consultation and speak with National Grid’s team by attending online webinars, booking a slot at an ‘ask the experts’ session or by visiting the project website. Paper copies of consultation materials will also be available to view at several locations in the local area.

The following table shows when the webinars are being held:

Webinar Date and Time	Webinar Topic
31 January 10am	Overview of proposals (BSL interpreter present)
3 February 6pm	Overview of proposals
8 February 7pm	Sections AB Hintlesham and Chattisham and section C, Brett Valley
9 February 7pm	Sections D Polstead and E Dedham Vale AONB
10 February 7pm	Sections F Leavenheath and Assington, G Stour Valley and H Grid Supply Point
16 February 7pm	Construction and Environmental Impacts
18 February 4pm	Overview of proposals
21 February 10am	Sections AB Hintlesham and Chattisham and section C, Brett Valley
23 February 10am	Sections D Polstead and E Dedham Vale AONB
24 February 10am	Sections F Leavenheath and Assington, G Stour Valley and H grid supply point (substation)

The following table shows when ‘ask the experts’ sessions will take place. For more information and to sign up, please visit www.nationalgrid.com/bramford-twinstead from 25 January 2022 and complete a booking form, email us at contact@[email protected] or call us on 0808 196 1515.

‘Ask The Experts’ Date	Time
1 February	9am-5pm
7 February	5pm-8pm
11 February	3pm-7pm
14 February	3pm-7pm
15 February	9am-1pm
22 February	3pm-7pm
2 March	9am-1pm
10 March	10am-3pm
15 March	9am-5pm
18 March	3pm-7pm

The following table shows the deposit locations and opening times. From the 25 January, consultation displays can be viewed and consultation material collected, subject to any change in coronavirus restrictions that restrict venue opening hours.

Deposit location	Opening times

Sible Hedingham Library	Monday - 9am to 1pm Tuesday - Closed Wednesday - Closed Thursday - 2pm to 7pm Friday - Closed Saturday - 9am to 5pm Sunday - Closed
Sudbury Library	Monday - 9am to 5pm Tuesday – 9am to 7.30pm Wednesday - 9am to 5pm Thursday - 9am to 5pm Friday - 9am to 5pm Saturday - 9am to 5pm Sunday - 10am-4pm
Hadleigh Library	Monday – Closed Tuesday – 9am to 5pm Wednesday – 9am to 5pm Thursday – 9am to 6pm Friday – 9am to 5pm Saturday – 9.30am to 5pm Sunday – 10am to 4pm

All information about the consultation and how to give feedback can be found on the project website, www.nationalgrid.com/bramford-twinstead from 25 January 2022.

Residents who prefer to respond to the consultation via post can receive a printed copy of the feedback form and freepost envelope by calling the telephone information line on 0808 196 1515.

Residents within the immediate vicinity of the proposed reinforcement will also receive a newsletter with more information on the consultation.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

Media contact: Helen Blake - 07790 824788
[email protected]