Council welcomes major power upgrade as Holbeach substation gets go ahead

The approval of a new electricity substation has been welcomed by South Holland District Council, as it provides a major step forward in securing the future of reliable power for residents and businesses in the Holbeach area.

The scheme, approved by the council’s Planning Committee earlier this year, will see National Grid construct a new substation on land west of Branches Lane, incorporating two transformers, underground cabling, and providing 30mva of headroom and an 11kV switchboard designed to reflect the appearance of a modern agricultural barn in keeping with the rural landscape.

SHDC has been working with National Grid for over six years to secure the essential upgrade, following evidence that Holbeach and the wider district lacked the grid capacity to meet current and future demands, leading to power outage risks as soon as 2028, and severe overloading from 2034.

The new infrastructure, which will only provide electricity locally, will address these concerns whilst also opening the door for new investment and development in the area, as well as for existing businesses to expand and grow.

Construction will begin following completion of land and technical preparations by National Grid, with the substation expected to be operational in the coming years.

Councillor Nick Worth, leader of South Holland District Council, said: “This is a hugely important decision and significant piece of investment for Holbeach and the wider district, that we have been lobbying to secure for many years now.

“It’s so important that our residents and fantastic local businesses can count on a secure and reliable supply of power with which to build their lives and careers, now and into the future, and I am delighted to see this project we have worked so hard on come a step closer to reality.

“This isn’t just about electricity, it’s about creating new jobs and developments, giving local businesses the opportunity to grow and our communities the confidence to build their lives in South Holland.

“It is a vital piece of local infrastructure, designed specifically to benefit South Holland, and it will make a real difference for decades to come.”