Norwich to Tilbury Pylons next stage has begun - January 2026
Norwich to Tilbury Pylons next stage has begun
The Development Consent Order process which replaces the normal planning procedures for Nationally Significant Infrastructure projects has a rigid timetable to prevent objectors delaying things.
On 29 August 2025 Stage 2 began – the Pre Examination stage. This is when we registered as an Interested Party and submitted our objections to the project
On 10 February 2026 Stage 3: Examination will formally commence
The examination phase lasts up to 6 months. During this period, those that have registered can participate through written representations and by attending hearings. A panel of three examiners will consider any representations made and set follow up questions if necessary.
Within three months of the close of the examination the examiners will prepare a report including a recommendation for the Secretary of State.
The Secretary of State then has a further three months to make the final decision on whether or not to grant consent. Therefore, the examination and decision phase can be expected to take approximately 12 months
Next Steps
The first step of the Examination phase is a preliminary meeting.
This will be held on 10 February 2026. This meeting is procedural only and is not the forum to discuss individual land impacts or objections. Following this meeting, the Planning Inspectorate will publish the final examination timetable, which will include details of further hearings.
There are two main types of hearings to be aware of:
- Open Floor Hearings – these are open to any interested parties and allow people to speak about local impacts.
- Compulsory Acquisition Hearings – these are for parties directly affected by land take or rights over land.
There will be an opportunity to register to speak at the initial hearings (in person or online) if you wish to do so. The current deadline for registration is Tuesday 27 January 2026.
Further information and details of the meeting were announced in a Stage 6 letter of 13 January 2026 which is available here (Stage 6 Letter). Its 47 pages long so the areas of real note in the letter are:
- Annex C - Initial assessment of Principle Issues
- Annex D - The outline timetable
Aldham Parish Council - battling away on your behalf....