Local plan scoping consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 4950

Received: 28/08/2026

Respondent: National Grid Electricity Transmission

Identifying & Assessing Sites (Commentary)
NGET advocates the high standards of design and sustainable development forms promoted through
national planning policy and understands that contemporary planning and urban design agenda require
a creative approach to new development around high voltage overhead lines and other NGET assets.
Following a review of the Interactive Mapping associated with previous Land Submissions, we have
identified several potential areas put forward that interact with NGET assets. At Section 5.11 the Council
make clear that a list of sites that will be considered further as potential draft allocations will emerge
later in the process.
It is acknowledged the Call for Sites is an ongoing process, however in the event any of the above Land
Submissions or additional sites presented are proposed for allocation in later stages of the Plan, site
specific or appropriate overarching policies (such as policies setting out design requirements for new
developments) should include wording which appropriately recognises and responds to the presence
of NGET infrastructure within or adjacent to the sites. Wording to the following effect (Red Italics) may
be suitable, though NGET will engage with future consultations and provide further input as
appropriate:
“The development will include a strategy for responding to the NGET Overhead / Underground Cable
Route present within the site which demonstrates how the NGET Design Guide and Principles have
been applied at the masterplanning stage and how the impact of the assets has been reduced through
good design.”
Without appropriate acknowledgement of the NGET assets present within / adjacent to the Land
Submissions, the related policies bringing them forth for allocation should not be considered effective
as they cannot be delivered as proposed; unencumbered by the constraints posed by the presence of
NGET infrastructure.

Comment

Representation ID: 4951

Received: 28/08/2026

Respondent: National Grid Electricity Transmission

Engagement Principles
It is acknowledged the Council, at Section 6.62, refer to a list of stakeholders to be engaged in Local
Plan consultations which includes “Utilities”. Nonetheless, as NGET have a number of existing assets
within the Local Plan area, it is essential that they are included specifically as a General Consultation
Body to be consulted from the earliest stages of Local Plan production to allow for effective and timely
engagement to aid in the effective production of the Local Plan where NGET assets and proposals of
the Local Plan may interact.
Where Development Plan Documents do not suitably consider NGET assets within the area, there is a
risk that those assets will unduly impact on the effectiveness of Local Plan proposals; in particular on
the ability for allocations to come forward where NGET assets interact. Importantly, the presence of
NGET assets within a proposed allocation does not preclude it from development; we only ask that
such interactions are appropriately recognised and responded to.