National Grid Consultation Launch: Chesterfield to Willington Project (Stage 2)

Burnaston residents are being invited to share their views on updated proposals from National Grid for a new high-voltage electricity transmission line between Chesterfield and Willington.

This is the Stage 2 consultation for the Chesterfield to Willington project, and it runs for eight weeks: 12:00pm Tuesday 3 March to 11:59pm Tuesday 28 April 2026 What is being proposed?

The project forms part of The Great Grid Upgrade, described as the largest upgrade of the electricity network in England and Wales in generations.

National Grid states the project is needed as electricity demand is expected to double by 2050, particularly as homes, transport and industry transition to cleaner energy sources.

The proposals include:

• A new 400 kV overhead electricity line, approximately 60 km in length, connecting:

  • A new substation in the Chesterfield area

  • The existing Willington Substation

• A new 400 kV substation near Chesterfield, in the vicinity of:

  • The existing 275 kV Chesterfield Substation

  • The existing 132 kV NGED substation

• Replacement of short sections of existing overhead lines

• Local changes to the lower voltage distribution network

• Temporary construction works including:

  • Access roads

  • Highway improvements

  • Construction compounds

  • Utility diversions and drainage works
    

Land would also be required for environmental mitigation, with National Grid stating that the scheme would aim to deliver Biodiversity Net Gain, meaning habitats should be left in a better condition than before.

What has changed since Stage 1?

An initial consultation took place in spring/summer 2024.

National Grid advises that feedback received during that consultation, alongside further environmental and technical assessments, has informed the updated Stage 2 proposals.

Residents can review:

• The Stage 1 Consultation Feedback Report

• The Stage 2 Consultation Document

• The Preliminary Environmental Information Report (PEIR) and Non-Technical Summary

All documents are available online via the project website - https://www.nationalgrid.com/the-great-grid-upgrade/chesterfield-to-willington

How to view the proposals

Residents can:

• View an interactive map of the proposed route alignment

• Enter a postcode to see proposed pylon locations nearby

• Attend a face-to-face public information event

• Join an online webinar

• Request printed materials

How to respond

Burnaston Parish Council encourages residents to review the consultation materials and submit feedback directly to National Grid.

Feedback can be provided by:

• Completing the online feedback form

• Emailing: chesterfield-willington@nationalgrid.com

• Posting written responses to:FREEPOST NATIONAL GRID PROJECTS (JBP)

Deadline for responses: 11:59pm Tuesday 28 April 2026

National Grid has advised that written responses are preferred to ensure accuracy of submissions.

Why this matters to Burnaston

While the proposed route runs between Chesterfield and Willington, infrastructure of this scale can have implications for communities across South Derbyshire and the wider region, including:

• Landscape and visual impact

• Construction traffic and highway changes

• Environmental and ecological considerations

• Long-term infrastructure planning

Residents are encouraged to review the information carefully and ensure their views are heard before the consultation closes.