Upminster residents invited to comment on new electricity substation
National Grid will hold a public consultation from 21 September to 16 October 2026 on a larger substation on green‑belt land south of the current Warley site, and proposes a community fund exceeding £500,000.
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National Grid announced that a public consultation will open on 21 September 2026 for a new, larger electricity substation on green‑belt land near Upminster. The scheme would replace the ageing Warley substation on Clay Tye Road, close to South Ockendon, and could be built in winter 2027 if planning approval is secured.
How residents can take part
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The consultation period ends on 16 October 2026. Two face‑to‑face events are scheduled: 26 September from 11.30 am to 4.30 pm at St Mary Magdalene’s Church in North Ockendon, and 30 September from 1 pm to 6 pm at Bulphan Village Hall. An online Zoom briefing will take place on 6 October at 5 pm. Participants may register by emailing warley@nationalgrid.com, as reported by the Romford Recorder.
The existing substation at Warley is reaching the end of its useful life, and so the replacement substation will be an essential part of our work to upgrade and reinforce the electricity network in the area.
Siôn Davies, external affairs manager, National Grid
National Grid said the application will be submitted to Havering Council toward the end of the year, with full details on the required "very special circumstances" for green‑belt development included in the planning documents. Initial environmental and heritage surveys are already underway, the company added.
Richard Rogers' Wimbledon home gifted to National Trust
The Grade II* listed house, designed by Richard and Su Rogers, will be opened for guided visits and educational purposes.
Next steps
After the consultation closes, National Grid will review feedback before finalising the planning application. Havering Council will then consider the proposal in its next planning meeting. Residents who wish to comment should do so before 16 October or attend one of the scheduled events.
Questions this report answers
+When does the public consultation on the new substation take place?
The consultation runs from 21 September to 16 October 2026. Residents can submit comments online, attend meetings on 26 September and 30 September, or join a Zoom briefing on 6 October, according to the Romford Recorder.
+What is the proposed location for the replacement substation?
National Grid plans to build the larger facility on green‑belt land immediately south of the current Warley substation on Clay Tye Road, near South Ockendon, as part of its network upgrade.
+How much money is being offered for a community fund?
National Grid proposes a community fund of more than £500,000 to support local projects that deliver social, economic, educational, environmental or conservation benefits while the substation is constructed.
+When could construction of the new substation start?
If Havering Council grants planning permission, National Grid expects construction could begin in the winter of 2027, following the submission of its planning application later this year.
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