NATIONAL Grid has confirmed it has applied for development consent to the Planning Inspectorate for the Bramford to Twinstead 'reinforcement'.

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

Bosses say it will help deliver “cleaner, greener electricity to homes and businesses, and support the UK’s move to net zero by 2050”.

Over the past few years, extensive engagement and multiple rounds of public consultation have been held.

National Grid has now submitted developed final plans for the proposed reinforcement.

Plans would see the construction of a new 29km 400 kV electricity transmission line using a mixture of overhead line and underground cables.

Submitted proposals include approximately 18km of new overhead lines and pylons and 11km of underground cables, including in the Dedham Vale area of outstanding natural beauty and parts of the Stour Valley.

It also includes the permanent removal of 25km of existing 132 kV overhead lines between Burstall Bridge and Twinstead Tee, 2km of existing 400 kV overhead lines south of Twinstead Tee and a new grid supply point substation at Butler’s Wood.

Project director James Greenhalgh said: “Our application submission marks a significant milestone for the Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement.

“We would like to thank everyone who has taken part in the consultations held on the proposals.

“Your feedback has been vital in informing our final plans, which also include the removal of 27 km of existing overhead line and 10 per cent biodiversity net gain.”

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

If 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.

Should the application receive development consent, construction would begin in late 2024 and take about four years.

For more information, visit nationalgrid.com/bramford-twinstead.