Julia Lopez MP met the teams behind proposals to replace Warley electricity substation this week to understand the implications for residents and raise concerns about the combined impact of major developments in the area.
Despite its name, the substation is located just off Clay Tye Road, much closer to North Ockendon than either Little or Great Warley.
National Grid says the existing substation is approaching the end of its useful life. It is a vital grid supply point for electricity distribution across Havering, Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock, supporting a local population of more than 350,000 people.
The proposals involve replacing the substation using land beside the existing site, with the overall project potentially taking a decade. A planning application is expected in early 2027, following public consultation this autumn.
Having recently been informed of the plans, Julia arranged to meet representatives from National Grid and UK Power Networks. She asked about the interaction between the replacement substation and Havering Council’s plans for a nearby data centre, alongside the cumulative impact on residents of these projects and the Lower Thames Crossing works.
Julia sought information about measures to minimise disruption and whether financial support could be available to the households most affected.
The Government is developing a bill discount scheme offering eligible households within 500 metres of qualifying new or significantly upgraded electricity transmission infrastructure up to £250 a year for up to ten years. Julia has asked the project teams to check whether residents most affected by the Warley proposals would be likely to qualify.
National Grid is also proposing a Community Fund of more than £500,000 to support community projects. Julia asked whether individuals most affected by the works could receive compensation through this fund, but the information provided indicates that it would not cover individual compensation.
Commenting, Mrs Lopez said:
“Having recently been informed of these proposals, I arranged to meet the project teams to understand what they would mean for residents and the surrounding area.
“Despite its name, Warley substation is much closer to North Ockendon. With a project that could take a decade, it is essential that the impact is considered alongside the plans for a nearby data centre and the Lower Thames Crossing works.
“Residents deserve to know what measures will be in place to minimise disruption and what financial support might be available. I have asked the teams to check whether those most affected could qualify for electricity bill discounts.
“I strongly encourage local people to take part in the consultation so that questions and concerns about construction, traffic and the impact on nearby homes are heard early.”
Public consultation runs from Monday 21 September to Friday 16 October 2026. Residents will have opportunities to examine the proposals, ask questions and provide feedback before a planning application is submitted.
The project team will hold two public drop-in events:
- Saturday 26 September, 11.30am to 6.30pm: St Mary Magdalene’s Church, North Ockendon, RM14 3QH.
- Wednesday 30 September, 1pm to 6pm: Bulphan Village Hall, RM14 3RU.
An online information event will take place on Tuesday 6 October, from 5pm to 6pm. Residents can register by emailing [email protected].
Further information about the proposals and consultation is available on National Grid’s Warley project website.
