Representation by Network Rail Infrstructure Limited (Network Rail Infrstructure Limited)
- Date submitted
- 17 March 2022
- Submitted by
- Other statutory consultees
APPLICATION BY SUNNICA LIMITED FOR AN ORDER GRANTING DEVELOPMENT CONSENT FOR THE SUNNICA ENERGY FARM Planning Inspectorate Reference Number: EN010106 Section 56 Planning Act 2008: Relevant Representation of Network Rail Infrastructure Limited This is the section 56 representation of Network Rail Infrastructure Limited (Network Rail) provided in respect of Sunnica Limited's (Applicant's) application for a Development Consent Order (Order) which seeks powers to enable the installation of solar photovoltaic generating panels and electrical battery storage on Sunnica East and Sunnica West and associated infrastructure for connection into the national grid (Scheme). Network Rail is a statutory undertaker and owns, operates and maintains the majority of the rail infrastructure of Great Britain. The Book of Reference (BoR) identifies 12 plots (Plots) of land owned by Network Rail in respect of which compulsory acquisition powers to acquire new rights are sought. The compulsory acquisition powers sought are described in the BoR as being the creation and compulsory acquisition of new rights over land and the compulsory acquisition of land (Compulsory Powers). Network Rail notes that the Compulsory Powers are sought in relation to operational railway land forming part of the operational railway being the Anglian Line. The Applicant also proposes to route a cable underneath the Anglian Line at Fordham to interconnect the Sunnica West Site B and Burwell National Grid Substation. To safeguard Network Rail's interests and the safety and integrity of the operational railway, Network Rail objects to the inclusion of the Plots in the Order and to Compulsory Powers being granted in respect of them. The Plots constitute land acquired by Network Rail for the purpose of its statutory undertaking and, accordingly, this representation is made under section 56 and sections 127 and 138 of the Planning Act 2008. Network Rail considers that there is no compelling case in the public interest for the Compulsory Powers and that the Secretary of State, in applying section 127 of the Planning Act 2008, cannot conclude that new rights and restrictions over the Plots can be created without serious detriment to Network Rail's undertaking; no other land is available to Network Rail by which to make good the detriment. Network Rail also objects to all other compulsory powers in the Order that affect, and may be exercised in relation to, Network Rail's property and interests. In order for Network Rail to be in a position to withdraw its objection Network Rail requires: (a) agreements with the Applicant that regulate: (i) the manner in which rights over the Plots and any other railway property are acquired and the relevant works are carried out including terms which protect Network Rail's statutory undertaking and agreement that compulsory acquisition powers will not be exercised in relation to such land; and (ii) the carrying out of works in the vicinity of the operational railway network to safeguard Network Rail's statutory undertaking; (b) the inclusion of protective provisions in the DCO for its benefit. Network Rail welcomes the fact that there are protective provisions for its benefit in the Order and, if necessary, will provide detailed comments on, and amendments to, the protective provisions when it submits its detailed Written Representation. To safeguard Network Rail's interests and the safety and integrity of the operational railway, Network Rail objects to the inclusion of the Compulsory Powers and any other powers affecting Network Rail in the Order. Network Rail requests that the Examining Authority treat Network Rail as an Interested Party for the purposes of the Examination.