Norwich to Tilbury planning application accepted in key energy milestone

• The Planning Inspectorate has accepted the Norwich to Tilbury application, moving the project into the pre-examination phase.
• The proposed project will deliver a new 180km power line, bringing cleaner, more affordable, secure, home-grown energy to East Anglia and beyond, supporting rising electricity demand.
• Public consultation and community feedback has helped shaped plans.

The Planning Inspectorate (PINS) has accepted National Grid’s development consent application for Norwich to Tilbury.  This is a major milestone for the project, part of the upgrade to Britain’s electricity transmission network. 

Norwich to Tilbury proposes a new 180km high voltage electricity power line using a combination of overhead lines and underground cables, linking Norwich Main substation in Norfolk, Bramford substation in Suffolk and a new Tilbury North substation in Essex. With electricity demand expected to double in the next few years, the upgrade will strengthen electricity capacity across East Anglia, a powerhouse of offshore wind and renewable generation, helping to deliver cleaner, more affordable, secure and home-grown energy to where it is needed most, in Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, and beyond. 

The project forms part of The Great Grid Upgrade, National Grid’s programme of major projects across England and Wales to deliver more secure and low-carbon electricity to homes and businesses, reduce bills and meet the growing demand for electricity driven by the doubling of energy needs, while supporting local and regional economic growth.  

Over three years of consultation, National Grid has received around 20,000 pieces of community feedback which have directly shaped the plans, including an underground section near Great Horkesley close to Dedham Vale National Landscape. The project is expected to provide millions of pounds in community benefit funding to support local areas hosting the new infrastructure. In addition, National Grid has committed to working closely with local and national wildlife experts to leave lasting benefits for habitats and biodiversity. 

With the application now accepted by the Planning Inspectorate, the project moves into the pre-examination stage. During this phase, which typically lasts several months, members of the public and other stakeholders will be invited to register as Interested Parties and take part in the planning process. The Planning Inspectorate will then hold a Preliminary Meeting to set out how the application will be examined. This will mark the start of the formal examination stage, which can last up to six months. During examination, PINS will issue written questions, hold public hearings, and carry out site visits as part of its detailed review of the project. Once the examination is complete, the Planning Inspectorate will make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, who will take the final decision on whether the project should go ahead. 

Simon Pepper, Project Director for Norwich to Tilbury, said:  “Acceptance of our application marks a significant step forward for Norwich to Tilbury. It reflects the valuable input from local authorities, landowners, communities and technical experts across East Anglia. If granted a DCO, this project will play a vital role in connecting more renewable energy to the grid, helping to meet rising electricity demand, strengthening energy security, and supporting regional economic growth while delivering secure and more affordable electricity to homes and businesses.” 

For more information about the project visit Norwich to Tilbury.  

More details about the development consent process can be found on the Planning Inspectorate’s website.