Greater Cambridge Local Plan: Proposed Submission

National Grid Electricity Transmission has appointed Fisher German LLP to review and respond to local planning authority Development Plan Document consultations on its behalf.
Following a review of the Development Plan Document, we have identified one or more NGET assets within the Plan area. Details of NGET assets are provided below.

Overhead Transmission Line:
Overhead Transmission Line 400KV Line Route: BURWELL MAIN - PELHAM 1. - BURWELL MAIN - PELHAM 2

There are no NGET Assets in Cambridge City, therefore please see a plan showing details of NGET assets within South Cambridgeshire sent with this representation. 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-andinfrastructure/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.

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.

New Infrastructure
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.