Representation by Fisher German LLP on behalf of National Gas Transmission (Fisher German LLP on behalf of National Gas Transmission)
- Date submitted
- 13 June 2024
- Submitted by
- Other statutory consultees
Registered office Warwick Technology Park, Gallows Hill, Warwick CV34 6DA Registered in England and Wales No. 02006000 Warwick Technology Park Gallows Hill, Warwick CV34 6DA +44 (0) 1926 65 3000 nationalgas.com Submitted via email to: outerdowsingoffshorewind@planninginspectorate.gov.uk Date: 13th June 2024 Relevant Representation of National Gas Transmission Limited in respect of the Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind DCO (the “Project”) This relevant representation is submitted on behalf of NGT Gas Plc (“NGT”) in respect of the Outer Dowsing Offshore Wind DCO, and in particular NGT’s infrastructure and land which is within or in close proximity to the proposed Order Limits. NGT will require appropriate protection for retained apparatus including compliance with relevant standards for works proposed within close proximity of its apparatus. NGT’s rights of access to inspect, maintain, renew and repair such apparatus must also be maintained at all times and access to inspect and maintain such apparatus must not be restricted. Further, where the Applicant intends to acquire land or rights, or interfere with any of NGT’s interests in land or NGT’s apparatus, NGT will require appropriate protection and further discussion is required on the impact to its apparatus and rights. Further detail is set out below. NGT have infrastructure within the proposed Order Limits NGT owns or operates the following infrastructure within the proposed Order Limits for the Project along with ancillary apparatus: The transmission pipeline form an essential part of the gas transmission network in England, Wales and Scotland: Transmission Pipelines: • Feeder 7 – Gosberton to Tydd St Giles Protection of NGT Assets As a responsible statutory undertaker, NGT’s primary concern is to meet its statutory obligations and ensure that any development does not impact in any adverse way upon those statutory obligations. As such, NGT has a duty to protect its position in relation to infrastructure and land which is within or in close proximity to the draft Order Limits. As noted, NGT’s rights to retain its apparatus in situ and rights of access to inspect, maintain, renew and repair such apparatus located within or in close proximity to the Order Limits should be maintained at all times and access to inspect and maintain such apparatus must not be restricted. NGT will require protective provisions to be included within the draft Development Consent Order (the “Order”) for the Project to ensure that its interests are adequately protected and to ensure compliance with relevant safety standards. NGT is liaising with the Applicant in relation to such protective provisions, along with any supplementary agreements which may be required. NGT requests that the Applicant continues to engage with it to provide explanation and reassurances as to how the Applicant’s works pursuant to the Order (if made) will ensure protection for those NGT assets which will remain in situ, along with facilitating all future access and other rights as are necessary to allow NGT to properly discharge its statutory obligations. NGT will continue to liaise with the Applicant in this regard with a view to concluding matters as soon as possible during the DCO Examination and will keep the Examining Authority updated in relation to these discussions. Compulsory Acquisition Powers in respect of the Project As noted, where the Applicant intends to acquire land or rights, or interfere with any of NGT’s interests in land, NGT will require further discussion with the Applicant. NGT reserves the right to make further representations as part of the Examination process in relation to specific interactions with its assets but in the meantime will continue to liaise with the Applicant with a view to reaching a satisfactory agreement.