National Grid launches consultation on project to deliver renewable and low carbon energy to more UK homes
- New electricity reinforcement needed between Bramford and Twinstead by 2028 to carry renewable and low carbon power to homes and businesses
- Project will help UK achieve its Net Zero target for 2050
- Online webinars, ‘ask the experts’ sessions and telephone consultation events to start on Tuesday 25 January
National Grid is consulting on its plans to reinforce the electricity network between Bramford in Suffolk and Twinstead Tee in Essex. The public consultation will run until Monday 21 March 2022.
The project 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.
National Grid encourages those interested in the proposals to visit the project website, www.nationalgrid.com/bramford-twinstead from 25 January to find out more.
Liam Walker, Project Director, commented: “This new connection 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 the plans, and we are looking forward to sharing our updated proposals and receiving further feedback."
Members of the public can take part in the consultation and speak with National Grid’s team by attending online webinars, booking a slot at a ‘ask the experts’ session or by visiting the project website. Paper copies of consultation materials are also 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 the ‘ask the experts’ sessions will take place. For more information and to sign up, please visit www.nationalgrid.com/bramford-twinstead from 25 January 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 to 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.
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.
