Rethink Sea Link Logo over an image of Sandwich and Pegwell Bay by Vicky Aitkenhead

Rethink Sea Link

We are asking the National Grid to examine an alternative route for cable linking Suffolk and Kent due to fears that decisions are based on the cheapest cost rather than minimising cost to wildlife at Pegwell Bay.

LAST CHANCE TO SAVE PEGWELL BAY

Register as an interested party by 23 June 2025

Now that the Planning Inspectorate has accepted the application for development consent for Sea Link, the proposed Sea Link project is now in its pre-examination stage. 

DCO process outline” style=

What does 'Register as an Interested Party' mean?

Only those who have registered as an interested party can continue to comment on the planning process. If you miss this chance, you will not be able to continue in the fight to Rethink Sea Link. 

We know that navigating these legal frameworks can be tricky, but we really need your help. 

The deadline for registrations as an interested party is 23 June 2025

What will I need to do?

In your registration, you will need to submit a Relevant Representation, summarising your concerns of the project. Rather than providing you with a template, it's really important that you write your Representation in your own words. This ensures that the Planning Inspectorate has to consider every single Representation, and could be vital in slowing down the Examination process. You can view our response to the last consultation below to help you.

In the last public consultation, over 4,000 people responded, which delayed the application acceptance for months. It's actions like this which showcase the power we can have when we come together.

Register as an interested party here

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How to register as an interested party

Watch this video to be guided through step-by-step

What then?

We'll continue to guide you through the Development Consent Order (the legal framework for assessing projects like Sea Link) to make sure your voice is heard and it counts. Just sign up to our Speak Up For Nature mailing list below and stay updated on Sea Link as well as our other advocacy work. We know these processes can be long and confusing, so we'll be there with you every step of the way. 

In the meantime, we've created a guide on DCOs - what they are, what the process is, and how you can help.

Responding to a DCO guidance

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Why do we want the National Grid to 'Rethink Sea Link?'

We support energy providers exploring more routes to renewable energy, but it should not come at the cost of nature when alternatives are available.

Initial Sea Link Consultation - now closed

Read our response here

Our response outlines these concerns:

  • We are supportive of steps taken to develop renewable energy solutions, but it must not be at the cost of wildlife. 
  • We are not convinced that the proposed route can be adequately mitigated. 
  • Our concern at the use of desktop surveys as a replacement to fuller and more detailed ecological surveys. 
  • The failure to carry out reptile, bat, water vole, otter, beaver, badger, invertebrate, and river aquatic surveys before the plans are submitted for a Development Consent Order (DCO). 
  • The loss of connectivity for wildlife through the development of 13.6 hectares of wildlife-rich land. 

Our asks:

  • We want National Grid to recognise the damage caused by Nemo Link and provide a detailed assessment to ensure improvements are made. 
  • We urge National Grid to review alternative routes for Sea Link. 

You can still write to Secretary of State, Ed Miliband 

Those wishing to support the Rethink Sea Link Campaign can email Secretary of State, Ed Miliband via [email protected] 

Points to consider raising: 

  • As a resident of Kent, you are concerned about the impact that National Grid’s Sea Link Project will have on wildlife when alternative routes are available. 
  • The recent U-turn by Ofgem provides a viable alternative option is available to the project. 
  • Examine bigger, joined up solutions - pooling offshore energy resources enable cost efficiencies, saving billions in infrastructure costs. 
  • Transporting energy offshore from generation sites closer to demand reduces grid constraints and minimises reliance on fossil fuel backups. 
  • Offshore energy transport streamlines planning processes, cutting costs tied to route permissions and compulsory land purchases. 
  • Utilising brownfield onshore sites offers faster planning approvals, promotes local economic regeneration, and reduces environmental and community impacts. 

Read our blog

Podcast episodes

Rob Smith investigates the Sea Link cable and its potential effects on wildlife. Is there something that can be done to mitigate its impact? Listen to our series of episodes on the topic.
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Rethink Sea Link podcast crew standing at Pegwell Bay
© Tim Horton

Why we’re calling on National Grid to Rethink Sea Link

Blog

Rob Smith joins Kent Wildlife Trust's Nina Jones, Steve Weeks, and Emma Waller, as well as Save Minster Marshes' Nik Mitchell, to talk about National Grid's Sea Link plans - a cable, converter, and sub stations that could have devastating impacts on these…

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The UK Government has launched an attack on nature, weakening the laws that protect our wildlife and making a U-turn on manifesto promises to be the greenest Government ever.

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