North Humber to High Marnham application accepted by Planning Inspectorate in major project milestone

North Humber to High Marnham would help increase the amount of electricity that can be transported between the Humber region and the East Midlands. The project includes around 90 kilometres of new 400kV overhead line, and in several locations the proposed route would run close to existing overhead lines.

The project forms part of The Great Grid Upgrade, the largest overhaul of the electricity transmission network in generations, which will help ensure the network has the capacity needed to support growing demand for electricity and increasing volumes of home-grown energy, including offshore wind generated along the east coast.

The acceptance of the application follows several years of environmental assessment, technical development and engagement with communities, landowners, local authorities, businesses and stakeholders across the project area. During that time, feedback has helped shape the development of the proposals and informed ongoing project design work.

Monica Corso Griffiths, Project Director for North Humber to High Marnham, said: “The acceptance of our application is an important milestone for North Humber to High Marnham and reflects years of work developing our proposals and engaging with people across the project area.

“As demand for electricity continues to grow and increasing amounts of offshore wind connect to the network, investment in electricity infrastructure will play an important role in ensuring power can be transported efficiently to homes, businesses and public services.

“The conversations we have had throughout the development of this project have helped us better understand local priorities and shape our proposals. We would like to thank everyone who has taken part in that process, and we remain committed to engaging with communities as the project progresses through the next stage of the planning process.”

Alongside the investment in the electricity network, the project could create opportunities for local businesses and suppliers across East Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and neighbouring areas. Major infrastructure projects require a wide range of skills and services, including engineering, construction, environmental consultancy, logistics, accommodation, catering and professional services.

Should the project receive development consent, a community fund worth around £18 million would be established to support local priorities, including community facilities, environmental improvements, health and wellbeing initiatives, and energy efficiency projects.

Shaped by the community, for the community, these funds will be designed to reflect local needs and developed in line with government guidance. We will work with residents, charities, community groups and elected representatives to understand what matters most and how the funding can make a lasting, positive impact.

Following acceptance by the Planning Inspectorate, the project will now move into the pre-examination stage. During this phase, members of the public and other stakeholders will be able to register as Interested Parties and take part in the planning process before the application is independently examined. Following examination, the Planning Inspectorate will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State, who will make the final decision on whether development consent should be granted.

For more information about the North Humber to High Marnham project, visit https://www.nationalgrid.com/the-great-grid-upgrade/north-humber-high-marnham/about-the-project.