Horndon (Barking) Above Ground Installation (AGI) Decommissioning
Project overview
National Gas is removing old, unused gas equipment from the site at Horndon (Barking). This work is part of the safe decommissioning of infrastructure that is no longer needed.
The site at Horndon (Barking) is an Above Ground Installation (AGI) which historically supported gas flow at Barking Power Station.
Barking Power Station closed in 2014 so the remaining infrastructure no longer plays an active operational role. We are therefore proceeding with the decommissioning, dismantling and removal of unused equipment to ensure ongoing network safety and efficiency.
Once the works are complete, the site will be left safe and tidy and unused equipment fully removed
What’s happening now?
Between Monday 23 and Thursday 26 March 2026, we will be venting the site which involves noisy gas release. The smell may be noticeable at times but does not indicate a gas leak and does not present a safety risk.
We expect our work to be completed by Friday 15 May 2026. Our team will be present on site until the end of May to complete the landscaping works.
Local residents and businesses can expect to see delivery and removal of equipment and materials. There may also be increased vehicle movements during project activity.
What you might notice during the works
- Short periods of noise during venting (23–26 March)
- Occasional strong gas-like smells during removal of older equipment
- Delivery vehicles accessing the site via Robinson Road
- Work activity between 8am and 5pm weekdays
FAQs
What will the project involve?
- Dismantling of redundant buildings
- Removal of a redundant odorant tank
- Removal of pipes, valves, and other disused gas fittings
- Associated excavation works to safely remove buried infrastructure
- Waste materials will be removed using covered trucks, in line with environmental requirements
I can smell gas, what should I do?
During our works, there may be short periods where you notice a strong gas smell. This is expected and will be carefully monitored.
If you smell gas away from the work site, please call the National Gas Emergency Line on 0800 111 999.
What are the project working hours?
Our planned working hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.
We do not currently anticipate weekend work or extended noisy activity. Should anything unplanned arise, we will communicate this.
Will there be an impact to the environment?
Prior to main activity, surveys have been completed which included environmental surveys and minor vegetation clearance. The dismantling works are expected to be contained within the existing site and will not affect nearby ecological features.
How will your workers access the site?
To help minimise disruption to the local area, construction vehicles will only access the site via the A128, then Orsted Road, Black Bush Lane and Robinson Road.
Where will workers park?
Work vans will be parked on Robinson Road, close to the site entrance.
Community Grant Fund
In 2023, we launched a Community Grant Fund to support communities located near to our construction and operational sites. The Fund offers grants of up to £20,000 to support projects that deliver environmental, social or economic benefits to the local community.
Grant applicants must demonstrate they are impacted by National Gas operations. The fund aims to support projects run by charities and community groups that meet local needs