Representation by National Grid (National Grid )
- Date submitted
- 24 August 2022
- Submitted by
- Other statutory consultees
Representation by National Grid Electricity Transmission Plc (“NGET”) in respect of the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine Project (the “Project”) - This relevant representation is submitted on behalf of NGET in respect of the Project, and in particular with regard to NGET’s infrastructure and land which is within or in close proximity to the proposed Order Limits. NGET will require appropriate protection for retained apparatus including compliance with relevant standards for works proposed within close proximity of its apparatus. NGET’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 National Highways (the “Promoter”) intends to acquire land or rights, or interfere with any of NGET’s interests in land or NGET’s apparatus, NGET will require appropriate protection and further discussion is required on the impact to its apparatus and rights. Further detail is set out below. NGET infrastructure within/in close proximity to the proposed Order Limits - NGET owns or operates the following infrastructure within or in close proximity to the proposed Order Limits for the Project: high voltage 400kV electricity overhead transmission line Harker to Hutton 1 and 2, including tower and span number ZX117R. The overhead line, including tower number ZX117R, forms an essential part of the electricity transmission network in England and Wales. NGET is working with the Promoter with regards to concerns about the close proximity of tower number ZX117R to the new shared cycle track and private means of access (Work No. 03-7A) and highway boundary to be constructed as part of the Project. NGET is also working with the Promoter to further understand the clearance associated with the embankments to be located beneath the overhead line. NGET wishes to explore with the Promoter the access arrangements to tower number ZX117R both during and after construction of the Project and the securing of all necessary new land and access rights in this regard. Protection of NGET Assets - As a responsible statutory undertaker, NGET’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, NGET has a duty to protect its position in relation to infrastructure and land which is within or in close proximity to the Order Limits of the proposed Project. As noted, NGET’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. NGET will require protective provisions to be included within the draft Development Consent Order for the Project to ensure that its interests are adequately protected and to ensure compliance with relevant safety standards. NGET is liaising with the Promoter in relation to such protective provisions, along with any supplementary agreements which may be required. NGET requests that the Promoter continues to engage with it to provide explanation and reassurances as to how the Promoter’s works pursuant to the Order (if made) will ensure protection for those NGET assets which will remain in situ, along with facilitating all future access and other rights as are necessary to allow NGET to properly discharge its statutory obligations. NGET will continue to liaise with the Promoter 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 Promoter intends to acquire land or rights, or interfere with any of NGET’s interests in land, NGET will require further discussion with the Promoter. Further representations - NGET reserves the right to make further representations as part of the Examination process but in the meantime will continue to liaise with the Promoter with a view to reaching a satisfactory agreement