Bramford to Twinstead

A 400kV double circuit grid network reinforcement scheme, approximately 29km in length, consisting of new lattice towers, underground cabling, and associated development.

The scheme consists of approximately 18km of overhead lines (consisting of ~50 new pylons and conductors) and 11km of underground cable system (with associated joint bays and above ground link pillars).

The proposals would connect Bramford Substation in Suffolk to a new substation which is planned to be constructed to the west of Twinstead Tee in Essex.

Further information can be found on the Planning Inspectorate (PINS) and Applicant's (National Grid Electricity Transmission) websites. 

Current stage within the NSIP Process

The Planning Act 2008 sets out seven stages for NSIPs. The project has progressed through these as seen below.

  1. The Applicant produced a Screening, Scoping, Non-Statutory Consultation, Statement of Community Consultation, and Statutory Consultation.

    A Non-statutory Consultation was undertaken between 25 March and 6 May 2021.

    A Statutory Consultation was undertaken between 25 January and 21 March 2022.

    Further, a Targeted Consultation took place between 8 September and 19 October 2022.

  2. The application for Development Consent was submitted on 27 April 2023. The Planning Inspectorate accepted the application for Examination on 23 May 2023.

    The Council was approached by the Planning Inspectorate in regard to the Adequacy of Consultation, prior to acceptance.

  3. Occurring between 24 May and 11 September 2023, all interested parties were requested to submit Relevant Representations.

  4. Following the close of the Preliminary Meeting, the Planning Inspectorate examined the proposals for a period of 6 months. The Examination opened on 12 September 2023 and closed on 12 March 2024. 

  5. Following the close of the Examination, the Examining Authority submitted their recommendation to the Secretary of State on 12 June 2024. 

  6. Prior to determination, Suffolk County Council wrote to the Department of Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) regarding the insufficiency of control documents (including Management Plans).

    The Secretary of State granted consent for the project on 12 September 2024. 

  7. Suffolk County Council's process for the Discharge of Requirements, which is applied uniformly for all NSIPs across Suffolk - NSIP Discharge of Requirements Frequently Asked Questions - Suffolk County Council.

    The Council has begun to discharge requirements.

Supporting documents

During the pre-application and examination phases, Suffolk County Council submitted representations in response to the proposals.