SP Mid Wales Connections Project

Gillespies was initially appointed as part of a multi-disciplinary team to support the early routeing of the connections. Following the success of this initial stage, we were commissioned by SP Manweb to lead the detailed routeing process, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and Development Consent Order (DCO) application.

Gillespies was part of a multi-disciplinary team in the initial routeing of these projects and, on the basis of this work, were then appointed by SP Manweb to undertake the detailed routeing, and EIA and DCO application process.

In identifying routes for the multiple connections, we applied SP Manweb’s routeing methodology, which ensures that new electricity infrastructure is planned to minimise effects on both the environment and local communities. This included the comparative assessment of multiple route options, supported by in-depth environmental analysis and landscape sensitivity testing.

An integral part of the process was meaningful consultation with landowners, local communities, and statutory consultees, including environmental and heritage bodies. Feedback from these engagements helped validate routeing decisions and inform the detailed design development.

However, in 2015, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (DBEIS) declined consent for several of the wind farms that would have relied on the proposed connections, and the project was subsequently suspended.