National Grid has lodged plans to improve and upgrade the electricty network between Bramford, Suffolk, and Twinstead, Essex.

The Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement is a proposed electricity transmission network upgrade between Bramford substation and Twinstead Tee.

The engagement, alongside environmental assessments and technical work, has helped National Grid to develop final plans for the proposed reinforcement, which would see the construction of a new, 29 km 400 kV electricity transmission line using a mixture of overhead line and underground cables.

James Greenhalgh, Project Director, commented: "Our application submission marks a significant milestone for the Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement, which remains an essential part of the UK’s transition towards a net zero future, by helping to connect renewable and low carbon energy to homes and businesses across the UK.

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"We would like to thank everyone who has taken part in the numerous consultations held on the proposals. Your feedback has been vital in informing our final plans, which also includes the removal of 27 km of existing overhead line and 10% biodiversity net gain."

Following the submission of the application for development consent, the Planning Inspectorate has 28 days, until 25 May 2023, to decide whether to accept the application.

If the application is accepted, the Planning Inspectorate and National Grid will share further details of how application documents can be viewed. The Planning Inspectorate will then carry out a detailed, independent examination of our proposals. The final decision on whether to approve the application sits with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with this decision expected after the completion of the examination in the next 15-18 months.