Full text:
Dear Sir /Madam,
Draft Rother Local Plan Development Strategy & Site Allocations January – March 2026
Representations on behalf of National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET)
National Grid Electricity Transmission has appointed Fisher German LLP to review and respond to local
planning authority Development Plan Document consultations on its behalf. We are instructed by our
client to submit the following representation with regard to the current consultation on the above
document.
About National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET)
National Grid Electricity Transmission plc (NGET) owns and maintains the electricity transmission
system in England and Wales. NGET manage not only today’s highly complex network but also to enable
the electricity system of tomorrow. Their work involves building and maintaining the electricity
transmission network – safely, reliably and efficiently. NGET connect sources of electricity generation
to the network and transport it onwards to the distribution system so it can reach homes and
businesses.
National Grid Electricity Distribution (NGED) are the electricity distribution division of National Grid and
are separate from National Grid Electricity Transmission’s core regulated businesses. Please also consult
with NGED separately from NGET.
National Grid no longer owns or operates the high-pressure gas transmission system across the UK.
This is the responsibility of National Gas Transmission, which is a separate entity and must be consulted
independently.
National Grid Ventures (NGV) develop, operate and invest in energy projects, technologies, and
partnerships to help accelerate the development of a clean energy future for consumers across the UK,
Europe and the United States. NGV is separate from National Grid’s core regulated businesses. Please
also consult with NGV separately from NGET.
National Energy System Operator (NESO) has taken over the electricity and gas network planning
responsibility from National Grid Electricity System Operator Limited (NGESO) as of 1st October 2024.
Early engagement with NESO is recommended in order to establish available supply capacity to any
potential development sites and what, if any, reinforcement is required to ensure adequate continued
supply. Please consult with NESO separately from NGET.
NGET assets within the Plan area
Following a review of the above Development Plan Document, we have identified one or more NGET
assets within the Plan area. Details of NGET assets are provided below. Asset Description
ZJ TOWER 67 400KV Overhead Transmission Line Route: DUNGENESS - NINFIELD 1. DUNGENESS
- NINFIELD 2.
4VM ROUTE TWR (001 - 146) 400KV Overhead Transmission Line Route: BOLNEY - NINFIELD 1.
BOLNEY - NINFIELD 2. Electrical Substation: Ninfield 400KV S/S
Electrical Substation: Ninfield 132KV S/S
National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc – FREEHOLD – Ninfield . A plan showing details of NGET assets is attached to this letter. Please note that this plan is illustrative
only. NGET also provides information in relation to its assets at the website below.
https://www.nationalgrid.com/electricity-transmission/network-and-infrastructure/network-routemaps
NGET Electricity Network Infrastructure
The security and reliability of the UK’s current and future energy supply is highly dependent on having
an electricity network which will enable the existing and new electricity generation, storage, and
interconnection infrastructure that the country needs to meet the rapid increase in electricity demand
required to transition to net zero, while maintaining energy security.
In general, NGET does not own the land crossed by its overhead lines but has responsibility for
maintaining the equipment and safe supply of electricity. The increasing pressure for development is
leading to more development sites being brought forward through the planning process on land that is
crossed by NGET assets.
Despite this NGET is not a statutory consultee in the plan-making process but it is recommended that
NGET are consulted at the earliest possible opportunity in order that advice and guidance can be taken
into account on development near overhead lines, or wider policies that may affect the existing or future
supply of electricity.
With the above context in mind, the Council should ensure that development proposals located near
transmission assets demonstrate that they will not compromise safety, operability, maintenance access,
asset replacement or future network expansion. The Council should safeguard existing and potential
access routes required for the delivery and removal of Abnormal Indivisible Loads (AILs) associated with
the construction, replacement and maintenance of transmission-scale equipment, including large
transformers at strategic substations and resist development or highway alterations that would
prejudice, constrain or render impractical AIL access unless suitable mitigation or alternative agreed
routes can be secured.
New Infrastructure
Currently there are no known new infrastructure interactions within the area, however demand for
electricity is expected to rise significantly as the way we power homes, businesses and transport
evolves. As the UK transitions towards net zero, fossil fuels will be replaced by increasing volumes of
low-carbon electricity, including from offshore wind and other renewable sources.
The UK Government has committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, requiring a balanced
approach to greenhouse gas emissions and removals. Decarbonising the energy system is central to
meeting this national objective.
National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) is delivering a range of infrastructure projects across
England and Wales to support this energy transition and ensure that the transmission network can
accommodate the rapid growth in low-carbon generation.
The way NGET generates electricity in the UK is changing rapidly, and NGET are transitioning to
cheaper, cleaner and more secure forms of renewable energy. NGET need to make changes to the
network of overhead lines, pylons, cables and other infrastructure that transports electricity around the
country, so that everyone has access to clean electricity from these new renewable sources. These
changes include a need to increase the capability of the electricity transmission system between
the North and the Midlands, and between the Midlands and the South. It is also needed to facilitate the
connection of proposed new offshore wind, and subsea connections between England and Scotland, and between the UK and other countries across the North Sea. Taking this context into account, In
planning for the area the Council should:
• Safeguard all existing NGET transmission assets, including overhead lines, underground cables
and substations.
• Support future reinforcement and expansion, including works required for the Great Grid
Upgrade and other strategic national infrastructure projects.
• Ensure development proposals located near transmission assets demonstrate that they will not
compromise safety, operability, maintenance access, asset replacement, or future network
expansion.
• Safeguard existing and potential access routes required for the delivery and removal of
Abnormal Indivisible Loads (AILs) associated with the construction, replacement and
maintenance of transmission-scale equipment, including large transformers at strategic
substations.
• Resist development or highway alterations that would prejudice, constrain or render
impracticable AIL access, unless suitable mitigation or alternative agreed routes can be
secured.
• Encourage early engagement with NGET to identify and resolve any potential impacts at the
earliest possible stage of the planning process.
Protecting existing assets and enabling future network development will ensure that the Council
contributes effectively to national decarbonisation targets while supporting local growth, resilience and
energy security.
Further Advice
NGET is happy to provide advice and guidance to the Council concerning their networks. Please see
attached information outlining further guidance on development close to National Grid assets.
If we can be of any assistance to you in providing informal comments in confidence during your policy
development, please do not hesitate to contact us.
To help ensure the continued safe operation of existing sites and equipment and to facilitate future
infrastructure investment, NGET wishes to be involved in the preparation, alteration and review of plans
and strategies which may affect their assets. Please remember to consult NGET on any Development
Plan Document (DPD) or site-specific proposals that could affect our assets.
