'Substations vital for UK energy' - National Grid

Resident Jenny Pennington, who lives near the site of National Grid's proposed substations in Weston Marsh, is keen to see the plans to discover what the impact will be

A public consultation opening later will provide further details on plans for two industrial substations to be built on farmland in southern Lincolnshire.

National Grid said the construction of Weston Marsh substations A and B, near Spalding, was "vital" for the future of the UK's energy supply.

The proposals are part of the 87-mile (140km) Grimsby to Walpole pylon plan, which has drawn objections from Lincolnshire County Council and communities along the route.

Jenny Pennington, who lives close to the proposed substation site, said she was concerned about what her family could soon be living near to and that it was "not good news for the area".

The proposed site of Weston Marsh substation A covers an area equivalent to at least 10 football pitches

She said: "We're not sure of the size of the substations yet. Obviously, we'll have to wait and see until it [the public consultation] goes live.

"I won't say it's a shock because we knew it was coming but it's not good news for the area, it's going to make Weston [Marsh] a very industrial area."

Ben Ridgeon, from National Grid, said it was "important" the company listened to local views.

He said: "The substations are a vital part of the infrastructure needed to connect new sources of homegrown energy, helping to secure Lincolnshire's energy supply and supporting investment and growth in the region."

National Grid said the two substations would be connected by a "short" underground cable and linked to the proposed Grimsby to Walpole pylon network.

There will also be a connection to an electricity cable coming ashore from the Outer Dowsing Offshore Windfarm.

In a statement, the company added: "Electricity demand in the UK, and in Lincolnshire, is expected to double by 2050 and the existing network cannot accommodate the growth."

The proposals for Weston Marsh A and B will mean there are now six large substations currently planned for Lincolnshire.

There are more than 87 miles of pylon route and six electricity substations currently proposed for Lincolnshire

According to National Grid, the substation sites will each cover an area the size of at least 10 football pitches and be up to 15m (49ft) in height.

Details of the latest proposals will be available on the National Grid website from midday when the public consultation opens.

Two further face-to-face events have also been organised:

• Friday 28 November, from 14:00 to 19:00 GMT at Weston Village Hall

• Saturday 29 November, from 11:00 to 16:00 at Moulton Seas End Village Hall

• Online webinar: Wednesday December 3 from 18:30 to 19:30

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