A new public consultation has been launched over plans to build a 37-mile electricity transmission corridor through Derbyshire.
National Grid is proposing new electricity infrastructure running from Chesterfield to Willington. The company says the upgraded network is needed to meet growing demand and to support future energy supplies across the region.
Following feedback from an initial consultation in 2024, along with further technical and environmental assessments, National Grid is now presenting a more defined preferred route.
The latest proposals also include an alternative route option between Astwith and Alfreton, which would avoid what the company describes as “sensitive locations”, including the River Amber, Ogston Reservoir and Ogston Hall.
National Grid says the current network in the region, much of which was built in the 1960s, was not designed to handle modern power sources or increasing demand. The Derbyshire scheme forms part of the Great Grid Upgrade, described as the largest overhaul of the UK’s electricity network in generations.
The plans also outline proposals for a new high-voltage substation near the existing Chesterfield substation.
The consultation opens this week and will run until 28 April, giving residents, businesses and community groups the opportunity to provide feedback.
Council Opposition
The renewed consultation follows a vote in December by Derbyshire County Council, currently controlled by Reform UK, to oppose the scheme in its previous form.
Concerns raised at the time included the potential visual impact of pylons, disruption during construction, and possible harm to the countryside.
In response, National Grid says the project would include environmental mitigation measures and aims to deliver at least 10% biodiversity net gain.
Project director Leanne Evans said the investment would help ensure communities across the East Midlands have access to reliable electricity as demand continues to grow. She added that the scheme would support local businesses, future jobs and the transition to cleaner, home-grown energy.
National Grid says the development is classified as a nationally significant infrastructure project and would require a Development Consent Order.
Due to its scale, the final decision will not be made by local planning authorities. Instead, an independent panel of inspectors will examine the application and make a recommendation to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
If approved, construction could begin in 2029, with the new infrastructure expected to become operational in 2031.
