Sea Link development consent decision announced
The UK government has approved the Sea Link project, a new converter station and HVAC underground cables connecting to the Friston substation, following a six-month public examination.
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has granted development consent for the Sea Link project, marking the 118th energy application approved out of 186 examined to date. The project involves constructing a converter station within 5km of the proposed Friston substation, linked by High Voltage Alternating Current underground cables. The Planning Inspectorate completed the examination within the statutory timescale set by the Planning Act 2008, ensuring compliance with legal deadlines.
The application was submitted by National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc on 27 March 2025 and accepted for examination on 23 April 2025. Over six months, the Examining Authority reviewed evidence from the public, statutory consultees, and interested parties before making recommendations to the Secretary of State on 30 July 2026. Local communities and authorities were actively involved throughout the process, with opportunities to submit views and evidence.
The Examining Authority considered all local views and evidence before recommending approval to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero. The decision, recommendation, and supporting evidence are publicly available on the National Infrastructure Planning website. Baroness Curran made the decision on behalf of the Energy Secretary’s legal authority.
Journalists seeking further details can contact the Planning Inspectorate Press Office for additional information or clarification regarding the Sea Link project.