Representation by Fisher German LLP on behalf of National Gas Transmission (Fisher German LLP on behalf of National Gas Transmission)
- Date submitted
- 8 March 2024
- Submitted by
- Other statutory consultees
Date: 8th March 2024 Relevant Representation of National Gas Transmission Plc in respect of the East Yorkshire Solar Farm DCO (the “Project”) This relevant representation is submitted on behalf of National Gas Transmission Plc (“NGT”) in respect of the East Yorkshire Solar Farm 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. NGT has high pressure gas transmission pipelines within or in close proximity to the proposed Order Limits. These transmission pipelines form an essential part of the gas transmission network in England, Wales and Scotland: • Feeder 7 Cawood to Susworth T West • Feeder 29 Ganstead to Asselby Protection of NGT Gas Apparatus 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, in relation to operational apparatus, 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.