Energy bosses have been given the green light for a Norfolk electricity station to double in size.

South Norfolk Council has approved plans for a major expansion of the Norwich Main Substation, near Dunston and close to the A47 and A140.

The 12-acre extension would roughly double the size of the infrastructure on the site in a bid to increase its capacity to take in power produced by new wind farms off the Norfolk coast.

The proposals form part of National Grid's extensive plans to improve energy infrastructure across the region, along with the controversial Norwich to Tilbury pylon scheme. 

Norwich Main Substation is set to undergo a major expansionNorwich Main Substation is set to undergo a major expansion (Image: Marc Betts)

Adrian Chanter, a spokesperson for the company, said: "The way we generate electricity in the UK is changing rapidly and so must the network of pylons, cables and substations that transport it around the country. 

"This is fundamental to supporting the growth of residential and commercial developments and ensuring that everyone has access to clean electricity from these new renewable sources."

National Grid is expanding the substation to support new offshore windfarms, including Hornsea Three and Equinor's Sheringham Shoal and Dudgeon.

The company has not revealed the cost of the scheme but says the immediate funds will come from shareholders and borrowing, with the cost passed to customers through electricity bills over the next 40 years.

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The Norwich Main Substation on the A140The Norwich Main Substation on the A140 (Image: Marc Betts)

Construction on the extension is expected to begin in September and will feature similar equipment to the existing substation, with no new overhead lines built. 

National Grid's pylon plans have been strongly opposed with communities in south Norfolk - and elsewhere along the line - resisting the proposals.

They argue the 114 mile line from Norwich to Tilbury will harm the countryside, and are calling for more of the route to run underground or for it to be moved off the coast, to run along the seabed.