Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

National Grid Infrastructure: East of England

Tuesday 28 November 2023 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Giles Watling asked the Minister about discussions with National Grid regarding infrastructure development in the east of England.
  • The Minister mentioned frequent meetings with network companies and community representatives to discuss infrastructure concerns.
  • Giles Watling suggested using the Bradwell site for undersea cables arrival instead of building new substations and pylons.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Giles Watling Con
Energy
Context

Discussions around the planned timetable for building new substations, pylons and cabling in the east of England by National Grid.

Question

What discussions she has had with National Grid on its planned timetable for building new substations, pylons and cabling in the east of England?

Answer from Andrew Bowie

I frequently meet the network companies to discuss their important work developing our electricity transmission network. I have also been pleased to meet communities and MPs from East Anglia to discuss concerns about network infrastructure. However, as the decision maker for planning consents, the Department does not get involved in individual projects.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific discussions with National Grid on the planned timetable were not detailed or confirmed.

How: The Department Does Not Get Involved In Individual Projects

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Giles Watling Con
Energy Environment
Context

The MP is calling for the Bradwell site on the Dengie peninsula to be used as an alternative location for the arrival of undersea cables instead of other locations that would damage the environment.

Question

I have called for the old Bradwell site on the Dengie peninsula to be used for the arrival of undersea cables, as opposed to wrecking the environment of Essex and other areas with substations, pylons and so on. With the scrapping of High Speed 2 as an example, does my hon. Friend agree that public bodies now need to do a better job of assessing possible alternatives, instead of just barrelling forward with boatloads of taxpayers' cash and destroying our beautiful countryside?

Answer from Andrew Bowie

I thank my hon. Friend for that question. As he knows from when we met to discuss this in June, the Electricity System Operator is responsible for planning the design and location of grid reinforcement, while transmission owners develop individual projects. I understand that Bradwell had been assessed but was not deemed appropriate for this project. However, I cannot comment on specific projects, in order to avoid prejudicing planning decisions.

Not addressed: The specific request about public bodies assessing alternatives was not directly addressed.

How: I Understand That Bradwell Had Been Assessed But Was Not Deemed Appropriate For This Project., However, I Cannot Comment On Specific Projects

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email