PLANS for a new 18 miles of power lines to "reinforce the electricity transmission network between two villages" will go ahead after getting approval from the Government.

The Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero has given the green light to National Grid's application between Bramford, in Suffolk, and Twinstead, north of Halstead.

The project will see around 27 kilometres of existing overhead lines removed and replaced with a combination of new overhead lines and underground cables in the Dedham Vale National Landscape and parts of the Stour Valley.

Some 18km (11.1 miles) will be overhead lines and 11km (6.8 miles) of underground cables.

Pre-construction survey work has already started, with wider construction activity set to begin in the first half of 2025.

The plans also include supporting construction, maintenance, and operational infrastructure, such as haul roads for construction traffic and cable sealing end compounds.

Project director James Greenhalgh said: "We are delighted that the Secretary of State has granted our application for development consent in line with the recommendation by the Planning Inspectorate.

"The Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement is a vital project to address an existing constraint on the network that will help connect clean and low carbon energy to homes and businesses across the UK."

The electricity transmission network in the east of England was built in the 1960s and requires significant upgrades to accommodate new sources of energy, such as offshore wind and nuclear.

Projects like the Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement are part of the largest overhaul of the electricity grid in generations.

The project aims to address existing constraints on the network and facilitate the transfer of greener energy from its generation point to where it is needed.

Mr Greenhalgh added: "Thank you to everyone who has engaged with our project so far – the feedback has helped to positively shape our proposals.

"As we look towards entering the construction phase, we remain committed to working with stakeholders and local communities.

"In the coming months, we will share more information on how we will build the project, including how we will communicate about construction activity."

Pre-construction survey work is already underway at various locations along the project route, prior to the planned start of major construction activity in the first half of 2025.

Balfour Beatty has been appointed as the main works contractor for the project, while Murphy is delivering the GSP substation.

The current estimated cost of completion for the Bramford to Twinstead Reinforcement is around £700 million.