Grimsby to Walpole overhead line – have your say

The Grimsby to Walpole project is currently in the stage 2 consultation phase and National Grid anticipates that it will submit its application to the Planning Inspectorate in summer 2027. 

The timeline for the project is as follows:

• January – March 2024: Stage 1 consultation
• April 2024 – May 2025: Consideration of 2024 stage 1 consultation feedback
• June – August 2025: Stage 2 consultation
• Spring 2025: Localised consultation at Weston Marsh.
• Summer 2027: DCO application submission
• Winter 2027: Examination
• 2028: Recommendation and decision
• 2029 – 2033: Construction 

National Grid should have now been in touch with those affected and held a meeting with you to discuss this proposed scheme. You may have also attended a consultation event. If you have any concerns or issues about how the proposed scheme is going to affect your farm business, then you need to respond to this consultation. 

Some examples to provide feedback on in respect of your business include:

• Engagement with National Grid and representatives.
• Concerns over pylon locations.
• Impacts to your farming operations.
• Impact on any diversification enterprises.
• Site specific issues such as access during construction, and compound locations.

Some key consultation documents to refer to include:

• The Interactive Map, which shows the pylon locations.
• Stage 2 consultation document.
  • Pages 38/39 include some information on soils and drainage.
• Non-technical summary of the PIER (Preliminary Environmental Information Report).
  • Chapter 3: Project description

Further information and documents can be found on the project website: National Grid | Grimsby to Walpole.

This consultation has now closed.

The NFU responded to the consultation on behalf of farmers and growers.

Our response highlights issues including the lack of consideration for both underground and offshore options, while asking for further detail into these options.

It also outlines the cumulative impact of the project with other projects in the area, and asks National Grid to consider the stress and difficulty faced by members impacted by multiple schemes.

The response also explores in further detail:

• The potential for undergrounding of electric cables
• Requirement for Network Reinforcement
• Alternative Tower Types
• New substations
• Connection to grid for on farm generation
• Environmental mitigation and Biodiversity Net Gain
• Impact on Agricultural Businesses
• Amount of land to be taken for the scheme
• Engagement with landowners

NFU members can download our response in full at: Grimsby to Walpole NFU consultation response.

This stage of the consultation represents the early development phase, and National Grid is seeking feedback on its preferred strategic options.

The strategic options include the potential emerging preferred corridor and the graduated swathe, which will outline the route for the project broken down into 11 sections. It also includes the potential locations of the five new connection substations.

For more detail, links to the and the initial consultation materials, affected members should visit the National Grid’s website at nationalgrid.com | Grimsby to Walpole.

For any inquiries or further information, you can contact the National Grid’s Community Relations team at 0800 0129 153 or contact@g-w.nationalgrid.com.

The NFU strongly encourages all affected farmers affected by the graduated swathe to actively participate in this consultation.