About this project
National Grid
East Claydon Replacement Substation
Overview
National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) owns and maintains the electricity transmission network in England and Wales. We transport electricity from where it is generated, such as solar and offshore wind farms, to substations, where it then continues on its journey to homes and businesses.
To ensure that everyone can access electricity from renewable sources, we are working to build a cleaner, fairer, and more affordable energy system that serves everyone, and powers the future of our homes, transport and industry.
About East Claydon substation
We are developing early proposals for a replacement substation in East Claydon, Buckinghamshire. The proposed substation would eventually replace the existing substation in the area. The project will support the UK’s transition to net zero and the government’s target to power all home and businesses with green energy by 2035.
Substations are integral features of the network and convert electricity to a lower voltage so it can be safely delivered to local homes and businesses.
You can read more about substations here.
The proposed replacement substation will require us to submit a planning application to Buckinghamshire Council for approval. The application will be made via the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (TCPA).
The need for a replacement East Claydon Substation
The proposed East Claydon Substation is required as the existing substation, which was originally built in the 1960s, is coming towards the end of its useful life. It also does not have sufficient electrical capacity to connect new customers to our transmission network.
The replacement substation needs to be located near to our customers and their proposed developments. This will ensure a much shorter connection and will help to reduce the amount of infrastructure required, including overhead lines, and the resulting impact on local communities.
The replacement substation also needs to be closely located to the existing substation to progress an initial “offline build”, – this will enable a smooth transition when the existing substation is switched off and capacity is transferred over.
The site
We have identified an initial preferred site for our replacement substation (option 1, located off East Claydon Road and to the immediate west of the existing substation site). This site has been selected after careful consideration of several potential site options. Please see below our proposed site location map of where we are indicatively proposing to locate the replacement substation.
We are planning to start early survey works during the summer. The surveys and assessment carried out will help inform our plans. Please note that these works will be non-intrusive and will not have any impacts or disruption to the community.
To facilitate our customer connections, we are currently considering what overhead line diversions may be required to connect to the new substation. Details of this will be refined as we further develop our proposals, which remain at an early stage.
Our latest project timeline is detailed below. Please note that this may be subject to change as the project progresses. • April 2024: Substation site selection • Spring 2024 – 2025: Surveys and technical assessments • 2025: Public consultation • 2025: Submission of planning application to Buckinghamshire Council
We have established a project webpage at nationalgrid.com/eastclaydon. Please visit for more information on the early plans, including our Frequently Asked Questions. We are committed to ensuring you are kept informed on the progress of the project. We look forward to presenting our plans at our public consultation next year and will be releasing details of this closer to the time. In the meantime, should you wish to speak to a member of the team, please contact our community relations team on 0800 049 9734 or at eastclaydon@nationalgrid.com.
East Claydon Replacement Substation
Overview
National Grid Electricity Transmission (NGET) owns and maintains the electricity transmission network in England and Wales. We transport electricity from where it is generated, such as solar and offshore wind farms, to substations, where it then continues on its journey to homes and businesses.
To ensure that everyone can access electricity from renewable sources, we are working to build a cleaner, fairer, and more affordable energy system that serves everyone, and powers the future of our homes, transport and industry.
About East Claydon substation
We are developing early proposals for a replacement substation in East Claydon, Buckinghamshire. The proposed substation would eventually replace the existing substation in the area. The project will support the UK’s transition to net zero and the government’s target to power all home and businesses with green energy by 2035.
Substations are integral features of the network and convert electricity to a lower voltage so it can be safely delivered to local homes and businesses.
You can read more about substations here.
The proposed replacement substation will require us to submit a planning application to Buckinghamshire Council for approval. The application will be made via the Town & Country Planning Act 1990 (TCPA).
The need for a replacement East Claydon Substation
The proposed East Claydon Substation is required as the existing substation, which was originally built in the 1960s, is coming towards the end of its useful life. It also does not have sufficient electrical capacity to connect new customers to our transmission network.
The replacement substation needs to be located near to our customers and their proposed developments. This will ensure a much shorter connection and will help to reduce the amount of infrastructure required, including overhead lines, and the resulting impact on local communities.
The replacement substation also needs to be closely located to the existing substation to progress an initial “offline build”, – this will enable a smooth transition when the existing substation is switched off and capacity is transferred over.
The site
We have identified an initial preferred site for our replacement substation (option 1, located off East Claydon Road and to the immediate west of the existing substation site). This site has been selected after careful consideration of several potential site options. Please see below our proposed site location map of where we are indicatively proposing to locate the replacement substation.
We are planning to start early survey works during the summer. The surveys and assessment carried out will help inform our plans. Please note that these works will be non-intrusive and will not have any impacts or disruption to the community.
To facilitate our customer connections, we are currently considering what overhead line diversions may be required to connect to the new substation. Details of this will be refined as we further develop our proposals, which remain at an early stage.
Our latest project timeline is detailed below. Please note that this may be subject to change as the project progresses. • April 2024: Substation site selection • Spring 2024 – 2025: Surveys and technical assessments • 2025: Public consultation • 2025: Submission of planning application to Buckinghamshire Council
We have established a project webpage at nationalgrid.com/eastclaydon. Please visit for more information on the early plans, including our Frequently Asked Questions. We are committed to ensuring you are kept informed on the progress of the project. We look forward to presenting our plans at our public consultation next year and will be releasing details of this closer to the time. In the meantime, should you wish to speak to a member of the team, please contact our community relations team on 0800 049 9734 or at eastclaydon@nationalgrid.com.
Project documents
Project updatePDF · 146.8 KB
East Claydon – National Grid – Stakeholder Letter Archaeological worksPDF · 298.7 KB
East Claydon replacement substation – consultation update letterPDF · 164.7 KB
East Claydon Stakeholder Briefing – March 2025PDF · 958.7 KB
Updates
Update 4th November 2025
Granborough Parish Council has received the latest correspondence from National Grid PLC regarding the proposed replacement substation at East Claydon.
National Grid advises that the public consultation, originally planned for June 2025, will now take place in 2026 to allow further development of the substation design. Archaeological works on site have progressed well but are currently paused while access arrangements are reviewed.
A full letter from National Grid, dated 31 October 2025, is available to view Project update and provides further details.
For any queries, residents can contact the East Claydon Project Team directly via: 📞 Freephone: 0800 049 9734 📧 Email: eastclaydon@nationalgrid.com 🌐 Website: www.nationalgrid.com
National Grid advises that the public consultation, originally planned for June 2025, will now take place in 2026 to allow further development of the substation design. Archaeological works on site have progressed well but are currently paused while access arrangements are reviewed.
A full letter from National Grid, dated 31 October 2025, is available to view Project update and provides further details.
For any queries, residents can contact the East Claydon Project Team directly via: 📞 Freephone: 0800 049 9734 📧 Email: eastclaydon@nationalgrid.com 🌐 Website: www.nationalgrid.com
Update 28th August 2025
National Grid – Upcoming Archaeological Works, East Claydon National Grid has advised that archaeological evaluation works will begin shortly at the proposed replacement substation site in East Claydon.
Set-up works: from Monday 1 September 2025 Trenching works: six weeks, expected to complete by 17 October 2025 Purpose: to identify any archaeological features before construction (subject to planning) Impact: no road or Public Right of Way closures are planned; noise levels will be low, similar to farming equipment; all areas will be reinstated afterwards Working hours: 8am–4pm, Monday to Friday The letter also provides updates on the recently completed overhead line refurbishment works and outlines next steps, including public consultation on the substation proposals in 2026.
? East Claydon – National Grid – Stakeholder Letter Archaeological works
Set-up works: from Monday 1 September 2025 Trenching works: six weeks, expected to complete by 17 October 2025 Purpose: to identify any archaeological features before construction (subject to planning) Impact: no road or Public Right of Way closures are planned; noise levels will be low, similar to farming equipment; all areas will be reinstated afterwards Working hours: 8am–4pm, Monday to Friday The letter also provides updates on the recently completed overhead line refurbishment works and outlines next steps, including public consultation on the substation proposals in 2026.
? East Claydon – National Grid – Stakeholder Letter Archaeological works
National Grid East Claydon Substation Replacement – Update 4th May 2025
National Grid has advised that further design work is required for the East Claydon substation replacement project. As a result, the public consultation originally planned for June will be delayed and is now expected to take place later this year. A new date will be confirmed in due course.
National Grid has assured us that they remain committed to keeping the community informed and will be arranging a further briefing with local councillors, MPs, and parish councils this summer.
For full details, please see the attached letter from National Grid. If you have any questions, you can contact the National Grid community relations team on 0800 049 9734 or by email at eastclaydon@nationalgrid.com.
East Claydon replacement substation – consultation update letter
National Grid has assured us that they remain committed to keeping the community informed and will be arranging a further briefing with local councillors, MPs, and parish councils this summer.
For full details, please see the attached letter from National Grid. If you have any questions, you can contact the National Grid community relations team on 0800 049 9734 or by email at eastclaydon@nationalgrid.com.
East Claydon replacement substation – consultation update letter
Update 10th April 2025, from National Grid.
Following our discussions, we have revisited our consultation zone ahead of the statutory consultation in the summer. In response to feedback, we have expanded this zone to include Winslow and North Marston. Please find the updated consultation zone attached for your reference.
Homes and businesses within this zone will receive information about our consultation through a community newsletter, which will outline our updated proposals and details of in-person and online consultation events. This will be supported by local and social media coverage extending beyond the consultation zone, as well as the distribution of materials to publicly accessible community deposit points that have agreed to host hard copies of consultation materials. We also acknowledge the feedback received on the consultation process itself. We understand that there is a strong desire for us to clearly demonstrate the potential impacts of both construction and operation, particularly in relation to noise. We also recognise the importance of incorporating community benefits and ensuring our materials reflect the latest government guidance. As we refine our proposals ahead of the statutory consultation, we will take these points into account to help shape our consultation approach. At the meeting, concerns were also raised with us about rubbish left on-site following surveys and adherence to local speed limits. This feedback has been shared with our wider team and will be considered as we move toward statutory consultation in the summer. Additionally, we take both our own actions and those of third-party contractors working on our behalf very seriously and we will have a robust process in place to monitor compliance and will not tolerate any breaches of these standards. We hope this update addresses your questions raised, and we appreciate your continued engagement. If you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to contact our community relations team on 0800 049 9734 or email eastclaydon@nationalgrid.com
Granborough Parish Council, along with other Parish Councils and Local Meetings members, attended a National Grid briefing on 14th March 2025.
National Grid has provided a copy of the slide deck presentation from the briefing, which is attached below for public viewing.
During the meeting, the Parish Council requested that the consultation topics include lighting, environmental health concerns—particularly noise—and potential impacts during the construction and commissioning phases. Additionally, the Council suggested that National Grid extend the consultation area to include North Marston and Winslow.
East Claydon Stakeholder Briefing – March 2025
We have also received the following information:
OHL Maintenance Works (Cowley – East Claydon)
As per our briefings, under permitted development, we are refurbishing the existing 400 kV overhead line between Cowley and East Claydon to replace aging infrastructure and increase capacity on the transmission network.
These essential works will require temporary footpath closures along the route from March to May 2025. Advance notice will be provided through posters at affected locations. We anticipate the project to be completed in Autumn 2025.
Community organisations, social enterprises, and registered charities in areas impacted by the maintenance of existing infrastructure can apply for grants of up to £10,000 through our Community Grant Programme. This funding can support social, educational, or environmental initiatives.
Please note that statutory organisations, including parish councils, are not eligible to apply, and organisations can receive only one grant per financial year. For more information on how to apply, please visit:
https://www.nationalgrid.com/responsibility/community/community-grant-programme
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact our community relations team on 0800 049 9734 or email: eastclaydon@nationalgrid.com.
Homes and businesses within this zone will receive information about our consultation through a community newsletter, which will outline our updated proposals and details of in-person and online consultation events. This will be supported by local and social media coverage extending beyond the consultation zone, as well as the distribution of materials to publicly accessible community deposit points that have agreed to host hard copies of consultation materials. We also acknowledge the feedback received on the consultation process itself. We understand that there is a strong desire for us to clearly demonstrate the potential impacts of both construction and operation, particularly in relation to noise. We also recognise the importance of incorporating community benefits and ensuring our materials reflect the latest government guidance. As we refine our proposals ahead of the statutory consultation, we will take these points into account to help shape our consultation approach. At the meeting, concerns were also raised with us about rubbish left on-site following surveys and adherence to local speed limits. This feedback has been shared with our wider team and will be considered as we move toward statutory consultation in the summer. Additionally, we take both our own actions and those of third-party contractors working on our behalf very seriously and we will have a robust process in place to monitor compliance and will not tolerate any breaches of these standards. We hope this update addresses your questions raised, and we appreciate your continued engagement. If you have any further queries, please don’t hesitate to contact our community relations team on 0800 049 9734 or email eastclaydon@nationalgrid.com
Granborough Parish Council, along with other Parish Councils and Local Meetings members, attended a National Grid briefing on 14th March 2025.
National Grid has provided a copy of the slide deck presentation from the briefing, which is attached below for public viewing.
During the meeting, the Parish Council requested that the consultation topics include lighting, environmental health concerns—particularly noise—and potential impacts during the construction and commissioning phases. Additionally, the Council suggested that National Grid extend the consultation area to include North Marston and Winslow.
East Claydon Stakeholder Briefing – March 2025
We have also received the following information:
OHL Maintenance Works (Cowley – East Claydon)
As per our briefings, under permitted development, we are refurbishing the existing 400 kV overhead line between Cowley and East Claydon to replace aging infrastructure and increase capacity on the transmission network.
These essential works will require temporary footpath closures along the route from March to May 2025. Advance notice will be provided through posters at affected locations. We anticipate the project to be completed in Autumn 2025.
Community organisations, social enterprises, and registered charities in areas impacted by the maintenance of existing infrastructure can apply for grants of up to £10,000 through our Community Grant Programme. This funding can support social, educational, or environmental initiatives.
Please note that statutory organisations, including parish councils, are not eligible to apply, and organisations can receive only one grant per financial year. For more information on how to apply, please visit:
https://www.nationalgrid.com/responsibility/community/community-grant-programme
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact our community relations team on 0800 049 9734 or email: eastclaydon@nationalgrid.com.
Update 31st March 2025
Granborough Parish Council, along with other Parish Councils and Local Meetings members, attended a National Grid briefing on 14th March 2025.
National Grid has provided a copy of the slide deck presentation from the briefing, which is attached below for public viewing.
During the meeting, the Parish Council requested that the consultation topics include lighting, environmental health concerns—particularly noise—and potential impacts during the construction and commissioning phases. Additionally, the Council suggested that National Grid extend the consultation area to include North Marston and Winslow.
East Claydon Stakeholder Briefing – March 2025
We have also received the following information:
OHL Maintenance Works (Cowley – East Claydon)
As per our briefings, under permitted development, we are refurbishing the existing 400 kV overhead line between Cowley and East Claydon to replace aging infrastructure and increase capacity on the transmission network.
These essential works will require temporary footpath closures along the route from March to May 2025. Advance notice will be provided through posters at affected locations. We anticipate the project to be completed in Autumn 2025.
Community organisations, social enterprises, and registered charities in areas impacted by the maintenance of existing infrastructure can apply for grants of up to £10,000 through our Community Grant Programme. This funding can support social, educational, or environmental initiatives.
Please note that statutory organisations, including parish councils, are not eligible to apply, and organisations can receive only one grant per financial year. For more information on how to apply, please visit:
https://www.nationalgrid.com/responsibility/community/community-grant-programme
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact our community relations team on 0800 049 9734 or email: eastclaydon@nationalgrid.com.
National Grid has provided a copy of the slide deck presentation from the briefing, which is attached below for public viewing.
During the meeting, the Parish Council requested that the consultation topics include lighting, environmental health concerns—particularly noise—and potential impacts during the construction and commissioning phases. Additionally, the Council suggested that National Grid extend the consultation area to include North Marston and Winslow.
East Claydon Stakeholder Briefing – March 2025
We have also received the following information:
OHL Maintenance Works (Cowley – East Claydon)
As per our briefings, under permitted development, we are refurbishing the existing 400 kV overhead line between Cowley and East Claydon to replace aging infrastructure and increase capacity on the transmission network.
These essential works will require temporary footpath closures along the route from March to May 2025. Advance notice will be provided through posters at affected locations. We anticipate the project to be completed in Autumn 2025.
Community organisations, social enterprises, and registered charities in areas impacted by the maintenance of existing infrastructure can apply for grants of up to £10,000 through our Community Grant Programme. This funding can support social, educational, or environmental initiatives.
Please note that statutory organisations, including parish councils, are not eligible to apply, and organisations can receive only one grant per financial year. For more information on how to apply, please visit:
https://www.nationalgrid.com/responsibility/community/community-grant-programme
In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact our community relations team on 0800 049 9734 or email: eastclaydon@nationalgrid.com.