Question to the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero:

To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what assessment his department has made of the potential impact of the expansion of Bramford Substation on (a) the probability of a fire and (b) the local environment.

The expansion of Bramford Substation forms part of the Norwich to Tilbury project, a Nationally Significant Infrastructure Project (NSIP) for which a Development Consent Order application is currently being examined by the Planning Inspectorate on behalf of the Secretary of State.

Given his quasi-judicial role in determining the application, the Secretary of State cannot opine on the project to avoid prejudicing the decision-making process.

As with all NSIPs, the project developer is required to comprehensively assess the environmental impact of their proposals. They are also legally required to take all reasonable precautions to minimise the risk of fire.