National Grid launches public consultation on ‘Sea Link’ proposals

National Grid Electricity Transmission plc (NGET) has launched a public consultation on detailed plans to upgrade the UK’s electricity supply.

The proposals, as part of the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) known as ‘Sea Link’, include the installation of a new cable link between Suffolk and Kent. 

If approved, this will see a new underground high voltage cable from Pegwell Bay to a new converter station near Minster, with 2.25 km of new overhead line connecting the station with the existing overhead electricity line. 

Thanet District Council is a statutory consultee for the proposal and will be providing a written representation as part of the public consultation. 

Further work will be needed if the application is submitted for examination by National Grid to the Planning Inspectorate, including the production of a Local Impact Report. 

Thanet District Council does not decide whether the scheme is approved or refused. 

A panel of inspectors, appointed by the Planning Inspectorate, will consider the application and make a recommendation to the Planning Inspector. 

Anyone who wishes to comment on the proposal should respond directly to the National Grid consultation which is open between 24 October and 18 December 2023.

Further information on the process for an NSIP can be found here.