Duration: 3 months (statutory period)

Description: The Secretary of State reviews the recommendation, national policy, and legal considerations before issuing a decision to approve (with or without modifications) or reject the DCO application.

Public Involvement: The decision and accompanying report are published online upon completion, providing transparency on the outcome.

Outcome: Approval results in the issuance of a DCO, consolidating all necessary consents (e.g., planning permission, compulsory acquisition powers). Rejection requires National Grid to reassess and potentially resubmit.