Sea Link - Overview & Latest Position
National Grid's proposed electricity connection and what it means for Cliffsend
Page updated: September 2026
National Grid's proposed Sea Link is a major new electricity transmission connection between Kent and Suffolk.
The project would create a new 2GW high-voltage electricity link, approximately 138km long and primarily offshore. National Grid says Sea Link is needed to increase the capacity of the electricity transmission network and help move electricity – including power generated by offshore wind – around the country.
Although much of Sea Link would be beneath the sea, the Kent end of the project would have a very direct connection with Cliffsend, Pegwell Bay, the former hoverport, Minster Marshes and the surrounding area.
The proposed subsea cables would make landfall at Pegwell Bay, immediately alongside Cliffsend. The former hoverport would be used to provide access to works in the intertidal area, underground cables would continue inland towards Minster, and a major new converter station and substation would be constructed near Minster.
There would also be significant changes to the existing overhead electricity network.
Where is the project now?
National Grid submitted its application for a Development Consent Order (DCO) for Sea Link in March 2025.
The application was examined by the Planning Inspectorate between 5th November 2025 and 5th May 2026.
During that Examination, interested parties – including Cliffsend Parish Council, local authorities, environmental organisations, statutory bodies and members of the public who had registered to participate – were able to submit evidence and take part in hearings.
That Examination has now finished and the formal opportunity to submit representations or objections through the DCO process has closed.
On 30th July 2026, the Examining Authority submitted its Recommendation Report to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
The recommendation itself is not currently public.
The final decision on whether Sea Link should receive development consent now rests with the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, with a decision expected by 30th October 2026.
If consent is granted, National Grid currently expects construction to begin in 2027, with the overall construction programme running to approximately 2031.
Cliffsend Parish Council's position
Cliffsend Parish Council remains opposed to the Sea Link proposals affecting our area.
We recognise the national need to strengthen Britain's electricity transmission network and support the transition towards cleaner and renewable energy.
However, recognising that need does not mean accepting that every proposed route or location is appropriate.
Our concerns include the choice of Pegwell Bay as the Kent landfall, the environmental sensitivity of Pegwell Bay and the former hoverport, effects upon Minster Marshes, the scale of the proposed converter station and substation, changes to the overhead electricity network and the potential effects of several years of construction upon Cliffsend and the surrounding area.
The formal Examination may have ended, but our involvement has not.
If Sea Link is approved, the Parish Council will continue to represent Cliffsend and seek appropriate safeguards for our community.
Explore the Sea Link proposals
We have divided our Sea Link information into separate pages so that residents can easily find the information most relevant to them.
What is National Grid proposing?
Find out what would be constructed in Kent, including the Pegwell Bay landfall, use of the former hoverport, underground cables, Minster converter station and changes to the overhead electricity network.
Click here to find out about National Grid's proposal
Pegwell Bay, the Hoverport & Wildlife
Find out why Pegwell Bay, the former hoverport and Minster Marshes are environmentally important, the concerns raised by conservation organisations and what National Grid says it would do to reduce the environmental effects.
Click here to find out about Pegwell Bay, the Hoverport & Wildlife
Sea Link works happening now
Archaeological excavation, ground investigations and other Sea Link-related activity are already taking place before the final DCO decision.
Find out what is happening, why it can take place before Sea Link is approved and who to contact if you have concerns.
Click here to find out about current Sea Link works
Cliffsend Parish Council – our involvement and what happens next
Find out how the Parish Council has participated in the Sea Link process, what we are doing now and the safeguards we will seek for Cliffsend if the project is approved.
Click here to find out about our involvement and what happens next
Previous consultations, notices and documents
Sea Link has developed considerably since National Grid's first consultations and some of the information previously published on this website is therefore no longer current.
We have retained our previous documents as a public record of the development of the project, previous consultation stages and Cliffsend Parish Council's involvement.
Click here to view our archived information and files about Sea Link
Please note that consultation periods, Interested Party registration periods, representation deadlines and Examination hearing dates referred to in these historic documents have now closed.
Residents looking for information about the current proposals should use the updated pages above.