A new and upgraded Warley substation

Overview

National Grid is proposing a new and upgraded Warley substation.

Our proposed site is immediately adjacent to and south of the existing Warley substation, by the M25 and A127, within the London Borough of Havering.

The new substation at Warley is needed because the existing substation is coming towards the end of its useful life. In addition, network upgrades and reinforcement are required in the area, and there is demand locally for new connections to the network. It is National Grid’s legal obligation and responsibility to connect all customers when they request power.

The new substation is also an important step to support the UK’s clean energy and economic growth goals, as National Grid upgrades the existing grid to ensure clean energy can be brought from where it’s generated to where it’s needed by homes and businesses.

A new and upgraded substation at Warley will help us fulfil all these requirements.
 

Key facts
Consultation: 21 September to 16 October 2026
•    Proposed location: Land south of the existing Warley substation on Clay Tye Road
•    Technology: 400kV Gas Insulated Substation (GIS)
•    Planning application anticipated: Early 2027
•    Planning decision expected: Summer 2027
•    Construction anticipated to begin (subject to obtaining the necessary consents): Autumn 2028

Our proposals

The proposed development would comprise a new 400 kilovolt (kV) Gas Insulated Substation (GIS). GIS technology allows the substation to have a smaller footprint than a conventional design, helping to minimise impacts on the surrounding area.

The project would:

• Upgrade and replace the existing substation as it reaches the end of its useful life
• Upgrade and reinforce the local electricity network
• Enable new connections to the transmission network
• Support the UK's clean energy ambitions
• Remove one existing pylon as part of the proposals
• Deliver landscape planting and screening to help reduce visual impacts

No additional overhead line pylons are required as part of this planning application.
 

Our proposed site

We undertook a comprehensive site selection process looking at factors including size, accessibility, power connectivity, and existing overhead lines.

The site had to be near existing overhead power lines, as close as possible to the existing substation, and large enough for the proposed development and new landscaping.

After an appraisal and technical review, our proposed site is immediately south of the existing Warley substation, by the M25 and A127, and accessed via Clay Tye Road.

The new site will be larger in size than the existing substation due to the need to upgrade and reinforce the network and in response to increased local demand.
 

Environmental considerations

The proposed site lies within the Green Belt. Our planning application will explain the site selection process and set out the very special circumstances that justify the development.

We are undertaking a range of technical and environmental assessments, including:

• Landscape and visual assessments
• Heritage assessments
• Flood risk assessments
• Ecology surveys
• Noise assessments
• Air quality assessments
• Traffic and transport assessments

We are committed to delivering at least 10% Biodiversity Net Gain and to identifying appropriate mitigation measures to minimise environmental effects during construction and operation.

An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Screening Opinion was submitted to the London Borough of Havering in July 2026 (planning application reference Z0006.26). Information from ongoing surveys and assessments will help shape the planning application.
 

Traffic and access

The proposed site would continue to be accessed from Clay Tye Road, as is the current substation.

We recognise that construction activity may affect local roads. Detailed transport assessments are underway, and a traffic management strategy will be developed to minimise impacts wherever possible. Full details will accompany the planning application.
 

Investing in your community

We have a long-standing commitment to the communities we work alongside, and we want to ensure lasting benefits for the people and places that host new energy infrastructure.

If planning approval is granted for the Warley replacement substation, we will deliver a Community Fund of over half a million pounds.

Shaped by the community and for the community, this fund will reflect local needs through your input and it will be developed in line with government guidance to deliver a lasting, positive impact.

More information will be made available about the Community Fund in early 2027.
 

What happens next?

Our public consultation has now closed. We will review all feedback received and consider how it can be incorporated into the proposals.

If you have questions or comments, please contact our dedicated community relations team using the contact details below.