Old Rectory overhead line, S37 Consent, Electricity Act 1989
Summary
DESNZ screening decision that a 243m upgrade of an 11kV overhead line to 3-phase at Old Rectory in the South Downs National Park does not require a statutory Environmental Impact Assessment. Natural England and the South Downs National Park Authority both raised no objection. The decision is procedural and confined to one minor distribution asset.
Why it matters
Routine s.37 screening for a sub-quarter-kilometre 11kV line upgrade. No rule change, no precedent, no cost implication beyond the applicant's own works.
Key facts
- •243m of 11kV overhead line upgraded to 3-phase
- •Applicant: Southern Electric Power Distribution PLC (ref FEW709)
- •Location: Old Rectory, South Downs National Park
- •Screened out of statutory EIA under the 2017 Regulations
- •Decision dated 10 April 2026
Timeline
Areas affected
Memo
Secretary of State’s screening decisions in accordance with the Electricity Works (Environmental Impact Assessment) (England and Wales) Regulations 2017. Date of decision 10 April 2026 Location Old Rectory South Downs Type of project/consent requested Section 37 consent to install or keep installed an electric line. OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Energy Infrastructure Planning 3-8 Whitehall Place London SW1A 2JP Email: S37consents@energysecurity.gov.uk Website: www.gov.uk/desnz Amy Crockford Southern Electric Power Distribution PLC Aldershot Depot, Lower Weybourne Lane, Farnham, GU9 9HP Our ref: 2406u Your ref: FEW709 10 April 2026 Dear Ms Crockford, SCREENING DECISION BY THE SECRETARY OF STATE UNDER THE ELECTRICITY WORKS (ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT) (ENGLAND AND WALES) REGULATIONS 2017 (“THE 2017 REGULATIONS”) NAME OF SCHEME: Old Rectory Decision: The Secretary of State concludes that the proposed works are not EIA development under the 2017 Regulations and do not require a statutory EIA as they are unlikely to have significant effects on the environment due to their nature, location and size. A copy of this letter has been sent to the South Downs National Park Authority (“the LPA”) for information. Screening decision for a proposed development (“the proposed development”) to: • Line upgrade to 3-phase of a 11kV, 243m overhead line OFFICIAL OFFICIAL Secretary of State considerations: The Secretary of State has considered the factors set out in Schedule 3 of the 2017 Regulations, together with the information within the supplied documentation (“the Application”) by Southern Electric Power Distribution PLC (“the Applicant”) in relation to the impacts on the environment of the proposed development and the views of the LPA. In reaching his decision the Secretary of State notes the following factors: 1. The proposed development does not fall within Schedule 1 (mandatory EIA). 2. The proposed development falls under Schedule 2 of the 2017 Regulations as the electricity line is to be installed above ground in a sensitive area. 3. The proposed development falls within the following designated areas: o South Downs National Park 4. The applicant consulted with Natural England who confirmed they had no objections to the proposed development in communications in November 2025 (ref: 533777). 5. The Applicant consulted with the LPA who had no objection to the proposed development (reference: SDNP/25/04646/OHL) in November 2025. It concluded that the proposed development is not an EIA development. 6. The Secretary of State notes the limited scale of the works, the temporary, localised nature of any impacts and that the proposed development is a minor modification to existing infrastructure. The Secretary of State therefore considers that there are no likely significant effects arising from the expected residues and emissions and the production of waste or the use of natural resources, in particular soil, land, water and biodiversity and that the proposed development is not likely to have significant effect on the National Park in which it is located. Yours sincerely, Anna-Maria Inglis Consent Manager Energy Infrastructure Planning Delivery Team