The report considered the non-statutory consultation in respect of National Grid’s Transmission’s 400kv grid reinforcement between Norwich and Tilbury. The project was previously referred to as East Anglia Green. This project is a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP).

The report provided an overview of the project and its potential impacts on Brentwood borough. A draft response had been submitted to comply with the consultation deadline and is subject to committee approval in line with the recommendation (Appendix A of the report). The response objects to the proposed Norwich to Tilbury scheme on the basis that alternative options including re-routing and undergrounding need to be given more serious consideration, direct impacts on the delivery of Dunton Hills Garden Village (DHGV), and impacts on effected communities, Green Belt, heritage, landscape and ecology. This is consistent with other responses from affected local authorities, including Essex County Council (Appendix B of the report).

This non-statutory consultation remained the starting point for the project. There will be further statutory consultation in 2024. The Council requests further ongoing engagement with National Grid on the scheme to help resolve its objections.

Following discussion Cllr Kendall MOVED and Cllr G Barrett SECONDED the recommendations in the report. Members voted and it was RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY to:

R1. Approve the response to the Norwich to Tilbury non-statutory consultation, as set out in Appendix A of the report.

Reason for Recommendation

Officers consider that Brentwood should submit an in-principle objection to the scheme, as the alternative options have not been fully explored and considered versus the impact that the on land overhead pylons and cabling option may have on a variety of factors, as set out in Appendix A.