Our Position & What's Happens Next
Page updated: 1st November 2026
Cliffsend Parish Council has actively followed and engaged with National Grid's Sea Link proposals throughout the consultation and Development Consent Order (DCO) process, raising concerns about the potential effects upon our village, its residents and the surrounding environment.
On 30th October 2026, the Government granted development consent for Sea Link.
The Parish Council is disappointed by this decision, particularly given the environmental concerns and the potential disruption the project will bring to Cliffsend and neighbouring communities.
Our opposition to Sea Link remains unchanged.
However, with development consent now granted, our attention must also turn towards ensuring that Cliffsend and its residents are properly represented and protected as the project progresses towards construction.
What has the Parish Council done?
Throughout the earlier consultation stages, we publicised National Grid's proposals, shared information with residents and encouraged participation in the formal consultation process.
As the project developed, we raised concerns about the potential effects upon Cliffsend and the surrounding area, particularly:
- The proposed use of the former hoverport for construction access.
- The potential for construction traffic to travel through residential Cliffsend, particularly along Sandwich Road.
- The environmental importance of Pegwell Bay, the former hoverport and Minster Marshes.
- Changes to the proposed construction arrangements and the areas of land affected.
- The scale and location of the proposed converter station and substation near Minster.
- The potential effects of several years of construction upon local residents, roads and the wider environment.
Following submission of the DCO application in March 2025, we continued to share information about the process and opportunities for residents to participate.
The Parish Council subsequently participated directly in the formal DCO Examination, submitting representations and taking part in hearings.
We have also raised concerns through correspondence with our Member of Parliament, Polly Billington MP, and other relevant organisations.
Throughout this process, our priority has been ensuring that the interests of Cliffsend and its residents are represented.
Our position has not changed
Cliffsend Parish Council remains opposed to Sea Link and the proposals affecting our area.
We recognise the national need to strengthen the electricity transmission network and support the transition towards cleaner and renewable energy.
However, recognising that need does not mean accepting that the chosen route and locations are appropriate.
We remain concerned about the effects upon Pegwell Bay, the former hoverport and Minster Marshes, the scale of the proposed infrastructure near Minster and the impact of a lengthy construction programme upon our community.
The Government's decision does not remove these concerns, nor does it change our responsibility to represent Cliffsend.
Although the project has received development consent, the Parish Council will continue to challenge arrangements where necessary and seek appropriate safeguards for our village.
What happens now?
Following the conclusion of the DCO Examination in May 2026, the Examining Authority submitted its recommendations to the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero on 30th July 2026.
The Government subsequently granted development consent on 30th October 2026.
National Grid can now progress towards construction, subject to the requirements and approvals associated with the consent.
Construction is currently expected to begin in early 2027, with the overall project scheduled for completion by approximately 2031.
Before relevant construction works commence, further detailed arrangements will need to be finalised, including aspects of traffic management, construction operations and environmental protection.
For Cliffsend, the arrangements associated with the former hoverport, Pegwell Bay and the surrounding road network will be particularly important.
The Parish Council will continue to seek information about these arrangements and raise concerns where proposals could adversely affect our community.
Further information about the Government's decision can be found here:
Government's Sea Link Development Consent Order decision
Our involvement following the decision
Although development consent has been granted, the Parish Council's involvement has not ended.
We recognise that the project is now moving towards construction, and it is important that Cliffsend has a voice in the arrangements which will directly affect our community.
The Parish Council will therefore continue to engage with National Grid, relevant authorities and other organisations to seek clear safeguards, appropriate commitments and effective communication throughout the project.
Our continued engagement should not be interpreted as support for Sea Link. Our opposition remains unchanged.
We believe it is important to raise concerns and seek practical improvements before problems arise, rather than waiting until residents are already experiencing disruption.
The following are the principal matters we intend to pursue.
Construction traffic and the former hoverport
One of our greatest concerns remains the proposed use of the former hoverport for construction access and the potential implications for the surrounding road network.
Sandwich Road passes directly through residential Cliffsend, and we do not consider it appropriate for the village to become a routine route for heavy construction traffic associated with Sea Link.
We will continue to seek clear construction traffic arrangements, including designated routes, appropriate restrictions and measures to prevent unnecessary contractor and HGV movements through the village.
Our priority will be ensuring that suitable alternative access arrangements are considered and that residential roads are protected wherever reasonably practicable.
Working hours
Residents should have clear information about when construction activity can normally take place.
We will seek appropriate controls on working hours, particularly where works are close to residential properties.
Where evening, overnight, weekend or early-morning activity is necessary, residents should receive suitable advance notice explaining the nature and expected duration of the works.
Noise and vibration
Construction activities have the potential to generate noise and vibration, particularly where heavy machinery and specialist equipment are involved.
We will seek appropriate measures to minimise disturbance, together with clear arrangements for monitoring and responding to complaints.
Where residents experience excessive or unexpected noise or vibration, there should be a straightforward process for reporting concerns and obtaining a meaningful response.
Dust, mud and road cleanliness
Construction should not result in avoidable dust, mud or debris affecting residential roads and neighbouring properties.
We will seek appropriate arrangements for dust suppression, wheel cleaning, road sweeping and general site housekeeping where necessary.
Concerns raised by residents should be investigated promptly, with remedial action taken where appropriate.
Pedestrians, cyclists and local roads
Construction traffic arrangements must take account of the residential nature of Cliffsend and the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
We will seek suitable measures to minimise conflict between construction vehicles and local road users, protect access to properties and reduce unnecessary disruption.
Particular consideration should be given to the suitability of roads used by heavy vehicles and the effect of construction traffic upon existing traffic conditions.
Pegwell Bay and public access
Pegwell Bay is an important part of our local environment and is regularly enjoyed by residents and visitors.
We will seek to ensure that public access, including local walking routes, is maintained wherever reasonably practicable.
Where temporary restrictions or diversions are necessary, residents should receive clear advance information and appropriate alternative arrangements should be provided.
We will also continue to raise concerns regarding the protection of sensitive habitats and the implementation of environmental safeguards.
Construction lighting
Temporary lighting associated with construction should be appropriately designed and positioned to minimise unnecessary disturbance to nearby homes, wildlife and the surrounding landscape.
We will seek assurances that lighting is limited to what is reasonably necessary for safe construction operations.
Communication
Effective communication will be essential throughout the construction period.
Residents should receive timely information about significant works, unusual activity, changes to access arrangements, traffic restrictions and other activities which may affect the village.
We will seek clear communication arrangements from National Grid, including advance notification of potentially disruptive works and accessible contact details for residents.
The Parish Council will also continue to share relevant updates through our own communication channels.
Complaints and escalation
Residents should have a clear and accessible process for reporting concerns about Sea Link construction activities.
We will seek assurances that complaints are properly recorded, investigated and responded to within reasonable timescales.
Where concerns remain unresolved, there should be a clear escalation process involving National Grid and the appropriate authorities.
The Parish Council will also act as a local point of contact for residents experiencing significant or recurring difficulties, helping to raise matters with the relevant organisations where appropriate.
Monitoring commitments
Commitments made during the planning and Examination process must be reflected in the arrangements implemented during construction.
We will seek clarity about how National Grid and its contractors will monitor compliance with agreed traffic routes, working hours, environmental safeguards and other relevant requirements.
Where concerns arise, the Parish Council will seek explanations and, where appropriate, action from National Grid and the responsible authorities.
We believe that effective monitoring and accountability will be essential throughout the construction period.
Reinstatement
Any roads, verges, footpaths, access points or other areas affected by construction should be appropriately reinstated following completion of the relevant works.
We will seek assurances that temporary construction areas are restored in accordance with the agreed requirements and that any outstanding concerns are properly addressed.
Our intention is to raise these matters at an early stage, rather than waiting until construction is underway or problems have already occurred.
Community benefit
National Grid has identified a proposed £1.56 million Kent Community Fund associated with the Sea Link project.
The Parish Council believes that communities directly affected by major infrastructure projects should receive appropriate consideration and opportunities for meaningful, lasting community benefit.
We want to be clear that seeking community benefit does not mean the Parish Council supports Sea Link.
Our opposition remains unchanged.
However, the Government has now granted development consent, and Cliffsend is likely to experience construction activity and associated disruption.
We therefore believe it is appropriate to explore opportunities which could provide genuine and lasting benefits for our residents.
The Parish Council will continue to seek further information about the available funding arrangements, eligibility criteria and how Cliffsend can be appropriately recognised as an affected community.
We also believe residents should have the opportunity to contribute ideas about improvements or projects which could benefit the village in the longer term.
National Grid – Sea Link Community Benefits
We want to hear from Cliffsend residents
Although the formal DCO Examination has concluded, residents can still raise concerns about Sea Link and the effects it may have upon our community.
We particularly welcome information and feedback about construction traffic, Sandwich Road, hoverport access, noise, working hours, dust, lighting, public access, environmental concerns and potential community benefits.
If you experience problems associated with National Grid's activities or its contractors, we encourage you to report them directly to National Grid and also make the Parish Council aware.
Your experiences will help us identify recurring concerns and inform the matters we raise on behalf of the village.
Cliffsend Parish Council remains opposed to Sea Link, but we are equally committed to ensuring that our residents are represented, informed and supported throughout the project.
We will continue to engage with National Grid and the relevant authorities, challenge arrangements where necessary and seek to minimise the effects upon Cliffsend and the surrounding area.
Contact Cliffsend Parish Council
For information about reporting issues associated with National Grid's works, please visit our Current Works & Reporting Concerns page.