Current Works & Reporting Concerns
Page updated: 1st November 2026
Residents may already have seen National Grid and its contractors carrying out activity associated with Sea Link around Minster, Pegwell Bay and the surrounding area.
These activities have included archaeological excavations, ground investigations and environmental surveys undertaken in preparation for the project.
On 30th October 2026, the Government granted development consent for Sea Link.
The decision means National Grid can now progress towards construction, subject to the relevant requirements and approvals.
National Grid currently expects construction to begin in early 2027, with the overall project scheduled for completion by approximately 2031.
Archaeological excavation
From August 2026, National Grid began archaeological excavation on land close to the planned converter station site near Minster.
Separate planning permission for these works was granted by Thanet District Council on 13th August 2026, before the main Sea Link Development Consent Order (DCO) was approved.
National Grid described the work as involving machinery removing and storing soil, followed by archaeologists inspecting, recording and removing archaeological features which were uncovered.
The affected areas were intended to be reinstated once the excavations were complete.
These were therefore physical excavation works rather than simply visual surveys or people walking across the land.
Ground investigations and boreholes
National Grid has also undertaken ground investigations on land close to the planned converter station site.
A separate Lawful Development Certificate was granted on 11th August 2026 for ground-investigation and geoarchaeological works.
Part of this work was intended to identify possible unexploded ordnance (UXO).
National Grid explained that specialist equipment would be used to check the ground for signs of potential unexploded ordnance.
This involved a magnetometer probe being hydraulically pushed into the ground through a series of small boreholes or piles.
National Grid stated that this particular investigation would not involve excavating or removing any potential unexploded ordnance which might be identified.
Other surveys
A variety of other surveys have also been undertaken in preparation for Sea Link.
These have included soil and drainage surveys, public-right-of-way surveys, ecological work and offshore and coastal marine investigations.
At Pegwell Bay, drone magnetometry commenced from 18th August 2026 to investigate for potential unexploded ordnance within the intertidal area.
Survey teams accessed the intertidal area during low tide to undertake this work.
Further surveys and investigations may be required as National Grid finalises its construction arrangements.
What happens now development consent has been granted?
The Government's decision on 30th October 2026 means that the Sea Link project has received the necessary development consent to progress towards construction.
However, this does not mean that all detailed construction arrangements have already been finalised.
National Grid has confirmed that it will continue working with local authorities and other stakeholders to agree outstanding technical details and requirements, including traffic management and environmental protection measures.
Construction is currently expected to begin in early 2027.
For Cliffsend, particular attention will need to be given to arrangements for accessing Pegwell Bay and the former hoverport, construction traffic movements, potential disruption to local roads and the protection of surrounding habitats.
The Parish Council will continue to monitor these arrangements and seek appropriate safeguards for residents and the local environment.
Previous concerns about preparatory works
Before development consent was granted, the scale and timing of archaeological excavations and ground investigations prompted concerns from residents and elected representatives.
Some questioned whether works of this nature should have been undertaken before the Government reached its decision on the main project.
Sir Roger Gale MP raised concerns about preparatory works with the Prime Minister on 1st September 2026, while Thanet CPRE also questioned activity taking place ahead of the DCO decision.
These works were undertaken under separate permissions from those required for the main Sea Link project.
The concerns raised at the time remain part of the project's history, although the Government has now granted development consent for Sea Link itself.
Seen something which concerns you?
As Sea Link progresses towards construction, we encourage residents to report any works or activities which cause concern or result in disruption.
This could include excessive noise, construction traffic using inappropriate routes, mud or debris on roads, dust, obstruction of access, activity at unexpected times or concerns about works affecting sensitive environmental areas.
If possible, make a simple record of:
- The date, approximate time and location.
- What activity was taking place.
- The nature of the concern or disruption.
- Any relevant contractor details or vehicle registrations.
- Photographs, where they can be obtained safely from a public place.
Please do not enter construction areas or private land, or put yourself at risk to obtain information.
Contact National Grid
Questions and complaints about Sea Link works or its contractors should be raised directly with National Grid's Sea Link project team.
Email: contact@sealink.nationalgrid.com
Telephone: 0808 134 9569
Post: FREEPOST SEA LINK
National Grid also operates a WhatsApp announcements channel providing updates about works taking place in Kent.
If submitting a complaint, we recommend retaining a copy of any correspondence and the complaint reference number provided.
This will help if the matter needs to be followed up or escalated.
Planning and construction concerns
If you believe works are taking place outside the scope of an existing planning permission or contrary to planning conditions, concerns can be raised with Thanet District Council's Planning Enforcement service.
Contact TDC Planning Enforcement
However, the main Sea Link project is now authorised through a Development Consent Order rather than an ordinary planning permission.
Different authorities may therefore be responsible for particular requirements and activities associated with the project.
For concerns specifically relating to the DCO-authorised works, residents should initially contact National Grid and, where appropriate, seek advice from the relevant local authority about which organisation is responsible for the matter.
Cliffsend Parish Council cannot determine whether a breach of planning permission or development consent has occurred. That is a matter for the appropriate enforcing authority.
Tell the Parish Council too
We would also encourage Cliffsend residents to let the Parish Council know about significant or recurring problems associated with Sea Link activity.
Although we do not have powers to stop construction works or enforce the conditions attached to the Development Consent Order, we can raise concerns with National Grid, seek explanations and engage with the relevant authorities.
We also want to identify recurring issues affecting Cliffsend, particularly those involving construction traffic, access arrangements, disruption to residents and potential environmental impacts.
The Parish Council remains opposed to the Sea Link proposals affecting our area. However, following the Government's decision, we are committed to continuing to represent our residents and seeking appropriate safeguards throughout the construction period.
Residents can contact the Parish Council through our website: